Hi everyone

[Lori66]

Hello I have just been diagnosed with anorexia but I have had it 5 years but have been in denial and hidden it from everyone I want to get better

Any tips ?

[crazycrossstitcher]

fantastic that you've admitted you have a problem - now the next step is to get the help and support you need for recovery - hope your GP will refer you to ED specialist with counselling and dietary help - support on your recovery journey is so important - so good luck.

[soulrevival]

You have been very brave to admit this and get diagnosed. It took me 20 years before I could admit it to myself and still find it hard to talk about with others. I have been having treatment and therapy for a year now. My advice would be to be prepared for relapses and don’t beat yourself up when you’re feeling like you can’t overcome it. You can. Keep the end goal of full recovery in mind, especially when your ED is telling you, you can’t get better and there’s no hope. Have a friend who will always listen with no judgement and who can be a support when you need it. Be prepared to be vulnerable and amazing things will happen. Be gentle and kind to yourself, especially when it’s the last thing you feel like doing. When my ED is telling me to exercise again for the 3rd time that day, I do the opposite and have a bath or do something nice for myself instead. Start a journal and use it as much as you can. This will help, especially after those challenging therapy sessions. Have compassion for yourself. Your ED is part of you but your soul or true self is stronger and more beautiful than the ED, so let it shine through instead. And, message on here anytime you need to! It’s so empowering to have a community like this to share how you feel. Good luck x

[Sammy987 in reply to soulrevival]

Hey, what a lovely reply, sounds like you to have come far in your journey. Would love to chat about your experiences and how you came out the other end. I to am in my best place since having anorexia at 16. I'm not 34 and a foster parent. xx

[soulrevival in reply to Sammy987]

Thats amazing! Well done you too. Sounds like you've really turned your life around. It gives me so much hope.

Today has not been a good day for me me, in fact last weekend has triggered a downward spiral, but my therapist session helped. It's totally my own fault, as I drank alcohol/'partied' on Friday and Sunday, which I have abstained from for almost a year, and it's set me back, with the critical voice, the self hatred and disgust. Re reading my reply has helped me to remember what to do to stay strong and positive. I'd be happy to chat anytime Sammy987, and actually it would be nice to connect with someone who understands what I'm going through. I wouldn't say I'm out of the other end really, but I'm working towards that. xx

[Sammy987 in reply to soulrevival]

Ahhh thanks so much for your reply, always recognising that your not quite there is a win itself, the amount of people I have met in my recovery journey who assume they are recovered and then relapse. Just keep going. If you want any shared experience anything I would be happy to offer any. Where are you from? You wont believe me but two of the most inspiring people in my recovery, I met on this website. Hope your enjoying this gorgeous weather

[soulrevival in reply to Sammy987]

I'm from North Wales UK originally, but living in Surrey in the south of England now. What about you? Are you UK based? Your message has really given me a boost. Thank you. I honestly feel like full recovery is a long journey for me, but I'll get there. And yes this beautiful weather does help! Funnily enough, my name is Sammy too

[Sammy987 in reply to soulrevival]

What a coincidence lol. Great name !! Though I go by Sam mainly. How old are you? Im 34 Yes Uk based. I live in Wiltshire ( its near Bath) Married with two foster children. Recovering From an ED has given me such a different outlook on life. Is there anything your finding hard in recovery in particular? For me it was exercise and lower calorie options, are you on Instagram or anything? be great to connect that way? I can Pm you on here x

[Sammy987 in reply to soulrevival]

Sorry, I hope you don't think I am asking to many questions.. x x I'm not a stalker lol x

[soulrevival]

Ha! Not at all, I e replied to your private message xx