I have read through everyone's challenges with ED, and I was struck with how caring everyone is, it's wonderful to know there is a support system for this. When I had anorexia (10 years ago) there was no-one to talk to, and that was the hardest thing.

I have recovered form ED and feel fantastic, I have a new life now.

The reason for writing, is to let everyone know that recovery is possible. I know that asking for help (and admitting the problem in the first place) is the hardest step.

I had to hit rock bottom (suicidal) before I could reach out and ask for help. I was very frightened that counsellors/doctors etc would weigh me, ask me what my daily life was like (rituals, calorie counting etc) and give me a diet sheet.

But it was nothing like that. I found a very caring counsellor who never once asked me how much I weighed or what I ate. She got straight to the point and talked about my family life, how I viewed the world etc. I was amazed that within the first hour she had pinpointed why I was feeling so wretched. She literally taught me how to like myself and how to structure a new relationship with my family and friends so that I could cope with life. After I had learned to love myself, food was never an issue again. I could eat and be happy. It took a long time to eat completely normally, but at least I could eat healthily and enjoy. I gained confidence day by day.

I know I am rambling (sorry) but I feel that fear is the biggest hurdle to stopping asking for help. But counsellors are very caring people, and I will never stop thanking my counsellor for turning my life around.

Hope this helps someone.

Helen