"My eating disorder"

Back in 2017 I found myself struggling with an eating disorder that was the result of a running injury and my own desire to achieve what I perceived to be a ‘perfect’ figure. Unfortunately my eating disorder spiralled really very quickly and I was hospitalised in July 2018 as I became very unwell. The team at Barnsley Hospital recognised I needed inpatient support and were able to get me an inpatient bed at Riverdale Grange. 

Eating disorders are so misunderstood. Nothing frustrates me more than the DSM-5 criteria as I was struggling with anorexia and disordered eating way before my BMI dropped to a dangerously low level. I was rejected by my GP on several occasions for treatment, and not considered a priority for referral to psychiatric services as my behaviours weren’t considered destructive enough. So naturally I put myself on a warpath after that to prove I was sick enough to deserve treatment. Still I am very grateful for the ANP at my surgery who was quick to admit me after a routine check up - they showed the most understanding of anyone to that point, let me cry it out in the surgery with them and then helped me into a taxi to Barnsley Hospital. 

I am thrilled to say I am now in a very good place with my eating disorder which must be attributed to the efforts of the staff at Riverdale Grange and my own determination.