On the 13th of December 2022 I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. 5 days later I was hospitalised on an acute medical ward in a critical condition.

When getting in contact with my GP in November I was told I would have to wait 6 weeks before even the first appointment with eating disorder services and a further 6 week wait to be assessed for any kind of help. If I wasn’t hospitalised 5 days after that first appointment I’d have been dead before the next one.

Anorexia is the most deadly mental illness, killing 1 in 5 of its sufferers. the inpatient care I did receive from the NHS was impeccable, and I cannot thank them enough for all they did for me throughout my 6 month admission and the support they continue to give me through outpatient care, however, it is still unacceptable that eating disorders are seen as a “weight based” illnesses and people only receive the treatment they need when it is often too late, and they are in a critical position physically. No one should be dying of an eating disorder in 2023. I am one of the lucky ones still here today to fight for more funding to eating disorder services in the NHS, so everyone can get the help they need before physical health is so poor the impacts are irreversible and traumatic. All people suffering with EDs deserve help despite their physical health or their weight. Anorexia Nervosa is a mental illness not a physical one.

i am raising money for BEAT charity who provided support for me and my family when the NHS fell short