Oh Sh*t – there it is!!
That was exactly my thoughts the 1st time ‘my story’ was ever shared.
In 2012, my story was published in the Evening Express.
Middle page – double spread.
There was me, front and centre.
As well as a picture of my sister and I and another picture of when I received my 1st ever business award in London.
‘Yup, you did it Lee – there’s going back!!’
When you share something incredibly personal that you’ve purposefully kept secret not only from the world but also loved ones.
It’s a very uneasy and awkward feeling.
I remember wanting to crawl under a rock, worrying about what people would think and how they would judge me.
People that I knew who would read the paper.
They would now all know my eating disorder ‘secret’.
Then I reminded myself the reason WHY I was sharing it.
And after the flood of positive responses from both those who did and didn’t suffer from eating disorders.
I knew I’d made the right decision.
Over the years, it still feels ‘a little weird’ sharing it but the secrecy and stigma which gave my eating disorder power no longer exists!
Today marks the beginning of Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2020.
If you follow me on social media, you may already know this as I shared a video last week.
This is a slightly different one.
This video BARELY scratches the surface but hopefully it’s enough to help anyone struggling with an eating disorder to realise change is possible.
Or indeed anyone who is struggling with ANYTHING right now.
If I can change….you can change.
Not going to lie, it’s a long process but totally possible and it all starts with a SINGLE step.
It may be the hardest, however it’s the 1st stage of recovery.
Here’s those numbers:
Adults Helpline: 0808 801 0677
Youthline: 0808 801 0711
You can find these numbers along with LOTS of other information by tapping the link below:
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
If you’re a friend or relative of someone who has an eating disorder, there’s fantastic help and support for you at Beat too.
Lee ‘raising awareness’ Donald x
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