Our supporter Annabel tells her story of developing a phobia of vomiting as a teenager, and her brave journey to recovery
My daughter became unwell in her teens with what we now know was OSFED: Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder.
From the age of 14 I developed consciousness and insecurities about the way I looked. I was surrounded by a family who were influenced by ‘Slimming World’ and other dietary groups, which reflected on the way I perceived not only myself, but food as well.
Approaching the end of my psychotherapy sessions I am so grateful for finally receiving the correct help. I remember being completely convinced that I was going to be laughed out of therapy and told ‘you’re fine, you’re not ill enough yet, what are you doing here?’
Some would be shocked and consider it a waste of NHS money if I told you I spent some sessions just sobbing or in angry silence, but that was what I needed.
10 helpful things to say to someone with an eating disorder as knowing what to say to someone can be tricky.