Wake-Up Call in Eating Disorder Recovery.

The Quiet Fighters: The Hidden Burnout of ADHD and Eating Disorders

Some people look like they’ve got everything together, but inside, they’re running on fumes. This World Mental Health Day, I want to talk about the hidden burnout behind ADHD and eating disorders, and the quiet fighters who look fine, but aren’t.There are people you...

When Your Child Is Waiting for CAMHS: What Parents Can Do Right Now

When you hear the words “We’re referring your child to CAMHS,” it can feel like both relief and panic. Relief that someone finally recognises your child’s struggle, and panic because the waiting list can feel endless. Every week, I receive calls from parents in tears,...

How to Cope with a Relationship Breakdown: 5 Ways to Protect Your Heart and Mental Health

When a relationship ends, it’s not just the end of a partnership, it’s the loss of dreams, routines, and identity. Whether the split was sudden or slow, healing is rarely linear. In this blog, I’ll share five ways to take care of yourself through the emotional fallout...

Empty Nest, ADHD Brain: When Your Children Leave and You Fall Apart

Discover how to thrive during life's transitions, even when the path feels uncertain. This page offers insights and support for navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with change.They leave for uni, or they move out,  and you’re proud. But inside? It...

“Underweight but Healthy?” Why the Scale Can’t Measure True Wellbeing

It’s one of the most common questions I hear in my therapy room: “Can you be underweight and still healthy?” On the surface, it seems like a fair question. After all, if someone is eating “enough” and looks slim but not skeletal, does it matter? The answer is ➔ yes,...

Why Routines Don’t Work When You Have ADHD (And What Might)

Explore why traditional routines often fail for those with ADHD and discover strategies that align with your unique brain.Living with ADHD means your brain processes information and time differently, making it hard to stick to conventional routines. This isn't a sign...

Why Boys and Men Are Now Struggling with Body Image Too

For years, body image and eating disorders were framed as “a girls’ problem.” But in my therapy room, that narrative no longer fits. I’m seeing more and more young men,  boys still in school, rugby players, university students,  battling the mirror, the gym, and...

The Evolution of Body Image: Why Social Media and Diet Culture Keep Us Feeling “Not Enough”

From Renaissance paintings to Love Island reels, our idea of the “perfect body” has always been shifting. But underneath those shifts lies something deeper: the way our brains are wired for survival, comparison, and belonging. ➔ And today, social media has turned that...

When Bulimia Meets GLP-1: Why Stopping Binges Doesn’t Mean Recovery

At first glance, it appears to be a miracle. A client with bulimia starts GLP-1 medication, and suddenly the binges stop. But beneath the surface, nothing has changed;  shame, perfectionism, and emotional triggers remain. This blog explores why medication can’t...

Ozempic Isn’t a Personality: Why Quick Fixes Create Long-Term Problems

When a medication promises to silence food noise, it can feel like salvation. But for many teens and adults, especially those with a history of disordered eating or neurodivergence, the “quick fix” can quietly create bigger problems. This is a trauma-informed,...

The Turning Point in My Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating disorder recovery often starts with a moment that shakes you to your core. For me, it happened one evening in my kitchen, utterly exhausted, lightheaded, and scared that if I collapsed, my kids would be left alone. That terrifying moment became my wake-up call. It made me realise something had to change.

 

 

 

Suddenly, my head went back.

I could feel myself about to pass out.

The room blurred, my hands felt weak, and one terrifying thought hit me like a train:

If I collapse right now, my kids will be alone in this flat. The gas is on. No one will know.

That moment changed everything.

the realisation that saved my life

For years, I had ignored the warning signs, skipping meals, overexercising, and chasing a number on the scale that I thought would bring me happiness. But standing there, barely able to hold myself up, I realised the harsh truth:

This wasn’t just about me anymore.

I wasn’t just hurting myself; I was hurting the people I loved most. My children needed me, and if I didn’t take action, I risked leaving them to fend for themselves.

That night, I made a decision that would redefine my life:

F*ck this. I want to live.

Eating disorder recovery isn’t just about eating more or exercising less. It’s about finding a reason to live. It’s about reclaiming your purpose and realising that you are worth so much more than your eating disorder.

When I work with clients now, one of the first questions I ask them is:

“What is making you want to get better?”

Because that reason, whether it’s your family, your future, or just the deep, quiet desire to finally be free, will carry you through the hardest days.

How to find your reason

If you’re reading this and feel stuck, I want to help you take the first step. Ask yourself:

1

What's your wakeup call?

Consider what truly matters to you. Is it family, personal growth, or a future free from struggle? Identifying your core values can guide your recovery.

2

What is the life you want beyond this disorder?

Imagine the life you want to lead beyond your current challenges. What does happiness look like for you? This vision can serve as a powerful motivator.

3

Who or what gives you the motivation to heal?

Think about the people who inspire you to heal. Whether it’s friends, family, or a community, having a support network can make all the difference.

For me, it was my children. For you, it could be your family, your dreams, or simply the idea of waking up one day free from the constant battle in your mind.

Your Journey Starts with One Step

I’ll be honest; recovery isn’t easy. But it’s worth it.

I had to rebuild my relationship with food, rediscover how to trust my body, and learn how to prioritise my mental and physical health. Through that process, I discovered something incredible:

Life is so much more than a number on a scale.

Today, I help others find their reasons for recovery, guiding them to reclaim their lives and rewrite their stories. Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this:

Nothing is worth losing yourself for.

Ready to start your journey?

If you’re struggling and don’t know where to start, let’s talk. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step you take matters.

 

What’s the one thing holding you back from recovery? Share your thoughts below or reach out. I’d love to help you find your reason to heal.

Struggling with an eating disorder and ready to take the first step? Click the link below to start your recovery with a trusted Eating Disorder Therapist

Helpful Links/Support:

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

https://www.mind.org.uk/

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/