"My eating disorder recovery"

Back in 2016, I was admitted to Riverdale hospital. I had struggled with anorexia and bulimia for a few years prior, and finally received the inpatient treatment that I so badly needed. I’m not exaggerating when I say this hospital saved my life, and I would not be where I am today without their treatment.

I was terrified going in, as anybody would be. However, I quickly made friends with the help of the staff, and other patients being welcoming. We were all there for the same reason, and this immediately created a connection unlike any I had ever experienced, even with a varied age range

Long story short, Riverdale was exactly what I needed to go on to live a healthy life. The therapy I received was amazing, with equal credit to the support workers and doctors who were there to talk to at any time of day. Also, the school staff kept me on track during high school, and were lovely people (who I am also very grateful for!).

Now, I’m about to enter my final year of university, and approaching my start date for my position with the Police. This is exactly where I want to be, and, again, this wouldn’t have been possible without Riverdale.

To anyone who has low hope for recovery or is worried for themselves/their loved one starting, it is 100% possible. Myself and others sharing their stories are living proof that it can and will get better. I’m now in my twenties and have been ED free for over 6 years, and cannot stress enough how much of an impact Riverdale’s team had on me.

To this day, I still reflect on my time there and it makes me emotional to think how far I’ve come. I am in no doubt that my life wouldn’t be the way it is without Riverdale. The friends I made there I still have on social media, so it is equally as pleasing to see how well they are also doing.

Even when it seems impossible, it is not. One thing that has stuck with me since being in Riverdale is a member of staff telling me, quite simply, “feelings pass”. It’s a minimal phrase, yet i still remind myself of it during difficult times. Feelings always pass, nothing is permanent. You could be going through the worst time of your life, but it won’t stay that way. In the moments where you’re overwhelmed and can’t see things getting better, you gotta remind yourself how many hard times you’ve lived through already.