"Adolescent unit"

I was admitted to Riverdale Grange under section 3 of the mental health act after a year long struggle with Anorexia. I didn’t want to recover, in fact, I wouldn’t even admit that I had an eating disorder for the first 3 months of my admission. I was “eating to get out”- pretending that everything was fine and I didn’t need to be in hospital, so that I could return home back to my previous lifestyle of compulsive exercise and restrictive eating. 

My section was finally lifted after 3 months, and after having 3 months of treatment, despite me claiming I “didn’t need it”, I was finally able to admit that I did have an eating disorder, and I did need help. Instead of discharging myself as soon as my section was lifted, as I said I would do, I stayed. I was able to access body image therapy which helped me so much. It enabled me to view myself in a completely different way, and start to “make friends” with my body. 

The treatment I received in riverdale was absolutely incredible. The combination of therapy, meaningful activities and phenomenal support staff literally saved my life. If it wasn’t for riverdale, I don’t know where I would be today. I am eternally grateful to every single person who helped me in that hospital. Approaching 2 years since I was discharged, I can now confidently say that I have recovered from Anorexia. 

To the incredible chef, Tim, who helped me to love food again, to Katie, Vicki, to my incredible support workers and nurse, to the amazing psychologist, Jack, and psychiatrist, Dr Aldridge , to Vanessa and Simon- thank you thank you thank you. 💛