"Inpatient at Riverdale Grange Adolescent Unit"

I was admitted to Riverdale just over 12 months ago after being transferred from a general hospital ward which I was kept on desperately begging for a bed in a specialist hospital, much of which I do not remember. The day I was told a space was waiting for me at Riverdale was one of the most terrifying  but hopeful days of my life.

The week before going to Riverdale I remember having multiple long phone conversations with a nurse at Riverdale called Helen. She gave me all the time I needed, no question was too stupid, no worry was too silly. She gave me the reassurance that I would be ok at Riverdale and it was the only way to start recovering. When I found out Helen was going to be my nurse, I cried with relief. Most of my first month at Riverdale, I do not remember, as due to the lack of education and experience the general hospital had with anorexia and mental illnesses, they had almost completely sedated me. However Dr.B (the most compassionate, understanding doctor I have ever met), with her great knowledge and experience, knew exactly what I needed.

Throughout my 6months as an inpatient and 1 1/2 months as an outpatient at Riverdale, I had many low and high days, and MANY personal battles to fight. But the team of nurses, doctors, and support workers allowed me the space and support to get through each struggle. The whole process of Riverdale is nothing short of a miracle! The endless therapies and groups they offered me was honestly mind-blowing. And my very regular catch ups with Helen and Lila were the things that got me through each day. The entire atmosphere at Riverdale is warm, welcoming, friendly and comfortable. Everyone that works there wants the absolute best for you and wants to see you back at home where you belong with the people that love you the most, doing the things you love the most.

When I was discharged from Riverdale, it was almost as terrifying as when I was admitted, but the difference was, I had the strategies and the support behind me that I needed to start living again. Nobody is ever fully recovered when they leave Riverdale, in fact it’s only the start of your recovery journey, but the people there know when it’s time to let you fly. It’s now been nearly 6months since I was completely discharged from Riverdale and though I’m still not fully recovered, I’m already back at my dance lessons, singing on stages, and have just joined a new netball club and started a new job. 18 months ago I was not even allowed to walk. Nothing is ever impossible, no matter how long the process is. I owe my life to Riverdale. They saved me when I thought nobody could.