One of our volunteers Rosie, has written a letter thanking those who have donated and supported S.E.E.D and also explains the importance of raising awareness about eating disorders and supporting someone who is struggling. Rosie has recovered from an eating disorder herself, so the letter is written from a sufferer’s point of view, detailing some of the challenges she faced and her journey to recovery.

Read Rosie’s letter below:

Hi there,

We would like to say a huge thank you for your kind and generous contribution to S.E.E.D. Living with an eating disorder, or supporting someone with an eating disorder, can be a very lonely and isolating experience. However, with the support from people like you, S.E.E.D is able to provide information, advice, education, resources and practical help to sufferers and carers, allowing them to realise that they are not alone, and that there is hope.

S.E.E.D wholeheartedly believe that recovery is possible, and stories like mine are an example of this. I developed Anorexia Nervosa as a teenager, and to begin with, I couldn’t see the damage it was doing. But little by little, Anorexia started to take away pieces of who I was and started occupying more space in my mind. I could no longer concentrate at school, play squash or clarinet, or go to church without being distracted and overtaken by eating disorder thoughts. It felt like I never got a break from these thoughts, but at the same time, they were all I had left. I no longer recognised who I was, and neither did my family: my mum once described anorexia as an alien illness, taking over the mind of the one you love. My family fought hard to get me help, but this wasn’t easy. There were times when they and I felt frustrated and helpless. Perhaps if we’d have known about S.E.E.D, our journey might not have been as frustrating. I am grateful, however, to have eventually received support that allowed me to grow, develop, and flourish - exactly what S.E.E.D aims to do. 

Six years later, I am no longer consumed by eating disorder thoughts, and I can go about my everyday life with a sense of peace about my life and the person I have become. I am not the same person I was before Anorexia, because my experiences have shaped who I am now. But nowadays, life feels fulfilling again, and I am more readily able and available to concentrate on those important aspects of my life - family, learning, my faith and hobbies. Every day, I continue to learn and grow, and am grateful to not just be surviving, but living. 

Though my journey to recovery has been full of both encouraging and challenging moments, the support around me allowed me to hold onto one important thing throughout: HOPE! The contribution that you have given will help to provide that hope to someone who is currently struggling and for that, we cannot thank you enough.  

With best wishes,

Rosie

For more information on how you can support us click here or call us at 01772 915735

If you are struggling, reach out.  Remember that you are not alone in your journey to recovery, we are here to help. Clickhereto book a free 20-minute consultation with a member of our team to find out how we can help you take action.