Christmas. I've always struggled with it. Sadly having had an eating disorder for 13yrs of my life, that joy got wiped away (🗒 past tense.) Xmas is a difficult time for many, but there's an added layer for someone affected by an ED as every fear has to be faced & it can feel traumatic, torturous & sadly is the time of year where many risk relapse. But I wanted to share some pics/thoughts. 1 - Me holding a xmas cake I'd made with pride. My 1st Xmas out of the psychiatric adolescent unit I'd been in for 7mths on deaths door. My parents took me out of there, it was horrific. I'd been doing well. But I didn't get the support from CAMHS when I left & I was heading steadfast for relapse. I vaguely remember this being taken. I was dying inside. 2 & 3 - Xmas day. I want to say I was 17/18? It was before my heart attack I know that. 1 thing I do know is I'd been in Hull Royal Infirmary on potassium drip up to xmas eve & begged them to let me home. They did. My best friend @emmabranchy came to see me at home on Xmas day. When I felt I couldn't go on, that meant the world! But sadly I didn't get the support I needed again...Soon after my heart failed & my bowel prolapsed. 4 - Me, Emma & my other best @katiedev85 (E&K are sisters, can you tell 😍) last Xmas, getting piddly, giggly & having fun. 5 & 6 - My amazing parents & I last xmas, my baby & me. Happy, connected, loving. 1st msg- early intervention is key! We must have better ED support! Equally, support AFTER SUPPORT, is essential for helping someone with the RECOVERY AFTER THE RECOVERY. Hence why @seedsupportuk Is vital in bridging the gap 🌱 We must support eating disorder charities like us. Or what do people have? (🔗 in bio to donate if you can 🙏) 2nd is, if xmas is hard, we at SEED are here & to hi light, we run an amazing programme called RATR (Recovery after the Recovery) 📧 [email protected] Lastly, Recovery is possible! Xmas can be an enjoyable (or bearable time, or whatever you want it to be that makes YOU OK) & friends & family will stand by you. Be brave & talk. Or talk to us. You matter. YOU DO! 💚 #MentalHealth #christmas #yourenotalone #recoveryispossible #eatingdisorderssupport