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.
Too Much of a Good Thing: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Too Much of a Good Thing: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health We spend more time than ever before ‘plugged in’ as social media keeps us connected to those we love, messaging those far away and keeping friendships alive. However, there is also a
Help! I can’t cope…
Help! I can’t cope… Feeling a little overwhelmed with life these days? Us too. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on coping with anxiety and panic attacks. In the UK, over 8 million people are experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time.[1] For lots of
The Many Myths of Eating Disorders
The Many Myths of Eating Disorders Myths have and will always circulate around eating disorders – who can get an eating disorder / who or what to blame / how long it will last / what weight those who suffering will be? The truth is that
Is This What Burnout Feels Like?
Is This What Burnout Feels Like? I’m sat on a folded-up blanket on the floor of my office. My desk doesn’t feel right today, I can’t focus and coffee isn’t helping. My days feel like endless game of whack-a-mole, except the mole is incoming emails, pushed-back
Zoe and Adam’s Bungee Jump: ‘We’re Facing our Fears for First Steps ED!’
Zoe and Adam's Bungee Jump: 'We're Facing our Fears for First Steps ED!' Both Zoe and Adam have been personally affected by an eating disorder, and now dedicate much their time to advocate for early intervention, prevention and better treatment for those who struggle with eating
Self Love vs Self Acceptance
Self Love vs Self Acceptance I’ve never been one of those people who is outgoing and confident. Even pre-anorexia. I was doing exactly what my head was telling me to - losing weight to ‘make my body look even better’ - but still, it just made
The True Meaning of Self-Care
The True Meaning of Self-Care We see self-care being promoted everywhere, on Instagram if you search the #selfcare you will normally see a glamorous looking woman holding an expensive looking bath bomb and a glass of wine. Or a group of friends enjoying afternoon tea perhaps,
Triggered: What does it mean?
Triggered: What does it mean? Whilst scrolling through Facebook one evening, I came across a post that jarred me. It’s not unusual for things I see on social media to take me by surprise, but this left me quite irritated - mainly because I knew it
The TwentyTwelve Collection
First Steps ED have partnered with TwentyTwelve on a new charity collection. To support us, please visit the TwentyTwelve website and check out the collection. Love it, wear it, share it #FSEDCharitees You're doing better than you think you are. We've teamed up with
A Family Fundraiser: Giving Back to the Charity that Supported Us
A Family Fundraiser: Giving Back to the Charity that Supported Us What made you decide to fundraise for First Steps ED? We accessed First Steps’ services during lockdown when our eldest daughter was affected by an eating disorder. Being a charity, we were very conscious that
Book Review: Jog On by Bella Mackie
Book Review: Jog On by Bella Mackie This book has been on my reading list since Christmas, alongside Mackie’s other title How to Kill Your Family (which I just finished recently too - amazing btw). Mackie’s books were originally recommended by a friend, after I had mentioned
Exercise and Eating Disorders: Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Exercise in Recovery
Exercise and Eating Disorders: Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Exercise in Recovery Pre eating disorder I wasn’t someone who really took an interest in going to the gym, I hated doing PE at school and would come up with any excuse I could to not have
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!