Welcome to our blog!
We are passionate about offering a service and community which is inclusive, empathic, understanding and non-judgmental. We believe that support should be available for all those affected by eating difficulties and disorders regardless of age, race, gender identity, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
These principles of equality and diversity underpin our person-centred, service user led approach to mental health and a big part of the reason we decided to launch our blog space. Here you’ll find First Steps ED updates, as well as stories and features from our community. We want to give everyone an opportunity to share stories, introduce unheard voices and discuss important topics around mental health and eating disorders.
The Grinch didn’t steal Christmas, Diet Culture did.
The Grinch didn’t steal Christmas, Diet Culture did. When I was younger I loved every holiday, especially Christmas. I’d beg my parents to go to the all the events; light switch-ons and Christmas markets. I would look forward to finishing school and getting to see all
BBC Radio Derby for Children in Need: “This charity need the support to keep going, and they’ve saved my daughters life…”
BBC Radio Derby for Children in Need: "This charity need the support to keep going, and they've saved my daughters life..." Tune in to BBC Radio Derby and hear how First Steps ED support families throughout Derbyshire thanks to the generous and vital funds received through
Recovery: Where do I start?
Recovery: Where do I start? When I went to uni aged 18, I was in the midst of my eating disorder. At that point, I had no intention of changing, being in a place where my ED was safe and gave me that false illusion that
The Countdown is on…
The Countdown is on… December is considered by many to be one of the most magical times of year. It’s a time of cheer, festivities and celebration for many families and communities: love, laughter, joy, gifts and, of course, food. For people with eating disorders or
How Befriending Helped Me and My Body Issues
How Befriending Helped Me and My Body Issues I’ve always had a tricky relationship with my body. Not enough for a diagnosis or for my friends and family to worry, but it was something that played on my mind most days. My issue wasn’t extreme or
Tellmi Made Me Feel So Much Less Alone.
Tellmi Made Me Feel So Much Less Alone. I have a lot of problems with eating because of my weight - I know, rationally, that I'm a healthy weight, but it never feels like it. Looking in the mirror disgusts me because all I see is
No One Ever Asked Me Why, But When I Found Tellmi I Felt Heard. I Felt Seen.
No One Ever Asked Me Why, But When I Found Tellmi I Felt Heard. I Felt Seen. Around 2019, my mental health drastically declined and hit crisis point. I was coming to terms with childhood trauma and I was not in a good space. As a
The Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders; and What You Can Do as a Parent
The Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders; and What You Can Do as a Parent. Social media is now a daily part of life. For young people, it provides a way to communicate and a form of entertainment. As a parent, this can be concerning, especially
“Oh! You’re anorexic and you’re disabled”
“Oh! You’re anorexic and you’re disabled” A million thoughts raced through my brain as I waited in terror for the door to creek open and my name to be called. For days, weeks, months and years, I had worked so hard - we had worked so
National Work Life Week
National Work Life Week National Work Life Week is an opportunity for us all to think about work-life balance, for ourselves and our colleagues. As well as a week for us all to think about office wellbeing and what we could all be doing to create
Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority
Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority. It’s World Mental Health Day, and this year it’s all about making mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority. For those of you who have been following us for a while and especially since
Experiencing the End-of-Summer Slump? Here’s What To Do.
Experiencing the End-of-Summer Slump? Here’s What To Do. I put my chunky-knit-burnt-orange cardi on today, a cardigan I probably haven’t worn since March. I love it, it’s like a socially-acceptable dressing gown I can leave the house in without any fear of judgement… Cosy, without being my
Write for us!
We are proud to support and offer a platform for individuals who are ready to share their stories and talk about their experiences of recovery. Together we can offer hope to lives affected by eating disorders. If you have something to say, a story to tell or advice to share, you are in the right place.
Get in touch!
