We talked to our Helpline Manager, Sam, about some of the common questions her team gets around this time of year, and her insights and tips for dealing with the challenges of Christmas.

In the past I’ve wanted to hide the eating disorders that are part of my history, but I want to shout from the rooftops: I'm proud of how far I had come!

University – a time full of new experiences, new friends, new skills and also new challenges. My first year at university ended up being the most challenging and unpredictable year of my life.

Growing up, Christmas was my absolute favourite time of year and now that I am rid of my eating disorder, I am free to enjoy the festivities once again. However, I spent two awful Christmastimes, the first with bulimia and the second with binge eating disorder.

Recovery is like a swimming pool with no shallow end. You can’t just dip your toe into the water or walk in until it’s up to your knees for it to work.

I’ll be celebrating the little things and being kind to myself. I’ll be patting my own back every time I can see something’s got slightly easier for me,

A better future for eating disorders depends on understanding the stigmas that exist today.

We need to challenge the perception that anorexia is purely about body image, or that we are ‘choosing’ not to eat.

Recovery takes time and it isn’t a race – as long as I’m on the right track it doesn’t matter how long it takes me to reach the finish line. I'’ll get there eventually, and next Christmas perhaps anorexia won’t be invited at all.

Isabella discusses navigating Christmas with an eating disorder and Beat's support services over Christmas.

I felt a sense of duty not just to myself, my recovery + my beliefs, but the thousands upon thousands of other people.

Thea shares her experience of volunteering with Beat after joining Beat as a Digital Volunteer in 2021.

Aryan shares his experience of volunteering with Beat as a Peer Support Group Volunteer.

Bryony shares her experience of volunteering as a Peer Support Volunteer with Beat.

Bake Off winner and Strictly superstar, John Whaite joined us to discuss all things Pride, body image and eating disorders.

Ellen tells her story of eating disorder treatment and recovery post spinal injury.

Sally, our resident Social Media Assistant, talks about starting university with an eating disorder and transitional periods.