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Stories of Recovery

Home ~ Find support ~ Stories of Recovery
Recovery stories are first-hand examples of people’s unique journey to recover from an eating disorder. They show that whilst recovery is different for everyone, it is possible. These stories are from both people who have experienced an eating disorder, and from those who have supported them.
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RECOVERY STORIES

Sumedha's story - I see her

For me, recovery has been silent, loud, tough, testing, enriching. The fuller I become in body and in spirit, the more I find my mind thinking of the women of my childhood. Solid, full, proud. Large, unwavering, profound.

Sumedha's story
RECOVERY STORIES

Lill's story - there is no ‘look’ and no ‘size’ to an eating disorder

I was never given the blueprint for body respect and a healthy relationship with food growing up. In fact, because I live in a larger body, my desire to lose weight was encouraged, celebrated and my eating disorder was left untreated. Eating disorders are a mental illness. They have nothing to do with physical appearance.  

Lill's story
RECOVERY STORIES

Stephanie's story - claiming my mind and body back

Recovery is not a linear progression. Recovery is a roller coaster of emotions, hate and love, suffering and relief, tears of fear and tears of joy whilst I stare at myself in the mirror, conflicted with feelings of shame and pride. Recovery is the journey to finding yourself again and claiming your mind and your body back from the devil that stole it

Stephanie's story
RECOVERY STORIES

Nikki's story - no such thing as not 'sick enough'

I’m sad that I spent so long making myself ill without getting help. I was worthy of care and assistance to get well again. I hope others experiencing a similar situation will acknowledge they too deserve and should seek help.

Nikki's story
RECOVERY STORIES

Lauren's story - my anger at anorexia

I get very angry and upset about my eating disorder: what it did to me, what it took from me. It put so much strain on my body and brain and I lost so much time and freedom, having to spend so long in hospital.

Read Lauren's story
RECOVERY STORIES

Sophie's story - there is hope

What started out as a relatively harmless idea, quickly became obsessive and took over my life. I was the last person I expected to get an eating disorder. But it still happened to me. To all those who are currently struggling, I want you to know that your struggle is valid, and that recovery is possible no matter who you are. There is hope.

Sophie's story
RECOVERY STORIES

Tess's story - fall down five times , get up six - the importance of perseverance to find the right supports and recovery

"Despite being told that I would never graduate high school, especially not with my original peer group, I did. Despite being told I may never recover fully, I did. Despite being told I might never handle the stress of my dream job - being a nurse - I now am a registered nurse working at a major public hospital and I am."

Read Tess's story
FAMILY AND FRIENDS STORIES

India's story - make Dane proud

"It helped a great deal for me to understand that while yes it was hard knowing he had lost a lot of control in his life - I knew he was fighting as hard as he could, that his ED was not his fault, and that I was proud of him."

Read India's Story
RECOVERY STORIES

Cheryl's story - I thought my eating disorder would make me thin. Instead it made me small.

"More than ten years on, my recovery hasn’t been fast, but it has been big. I still struggle to love my body sometimes. But I have learned that my body deserves to be cared for, regardless of how I feel about it in the moment."

Cheryl's story
RECOVERY STORIES

Georgia's story - choosing recovery everyday

If you are just starting on your recovery journey, I want to tell you firstly how proud I am of you for taking those steps, and to not give up entirely if you have slip ups along the way – it is part of the journey, no story of recovery is linear.

Georgia's story