The run up to Christmas can be really exciting: preparing for holidays, time with family and friends, parties, presents and often lots of food. But that excitement can be equalled and even overshadowed by worry, guilt, resentment and panic.
As with mental illnesses in general, responsibility is a major issue when it comes to eating disorders.
If it hadn’t been for the NHS, we wouldn’t have been able to access the care my daughter got; we couldn’t have afforded it.
Once upon a time I'd be writing this letter to a friend. Comfort me. Tell me it will be OK. Whisper words into my ear that I can still succeed.
Eating disorders can't be defined precisely; everyone’s illness is different and it's impossible for anyone to understand every symptom and every struggle.
I've seen both sides of this awful spectrum & every stage in between. But hey, I’m still here. I’m still smiling and I’m still fighting.
The thought of recovery is scary, but I’ve got further than I ever dreamed of, and you can too.
But what is it like to live with an eating disorder? I often hear 'you don’t look like you have an eating disorder'.
Knowing it takes a long time can be miserable, but what I think I & fellow sufferers have to keep at the forefront of their minds is their motivations.
You know my friend is scared but you don’t know how strong she is. She’s tough, really tough. She’s got good people around her who love and support her.
That person who conforms to all of society's expectations may be hiding a secret.
Read Joe's poem on his personal battle with anorexia, 'A day in the life of us'.