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.
Understanding Self-injury in Children
Understanding Self-injury in Children What is self-injury? Self-injury is where someone injures or hurts themselves on purpose whilst trying to deal with intense, distressing and intrusive thoughts. They may feel numb and hurt themselves in order to feel something, anything. This behaviour can be incredibly worrying
‘There is No Stigma for Support as a Service User at First Steps ED, and I Feel the Same as a Volunteer Too.’
'There is No Stigma for Support as a Service User at First Steps ED, and I Feel the Same as a Volunteer Too.' I began volunteering for First Steps ED during the first COVID-19 lockdown in April. I was coming towards the end of my writing
Finding Mindful Moments
Finding Mindful Moments Mindfulness is often criticised and has been branded as being ‘fluffy’ and ‘hippie-like’. I will hold my hands up here and admit, I was one of those who absolutely hated the idea of mindfulness. Thought it was a load of twaddle. I understand
‘I Love What I do at First Steps ED! But It Can’t Be Done Without Funding’
'I Love What I do at First Steps ED! But It Can’t Be Done Without Funding' Why did you choose to fundraise for First Steps ED? First Steps ED provides support that I wish I had had access to when struggling with my own eating disorder,
Managing Our Own Wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week
Managing Our Own Wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week Mental Health Awareness Month Summer is coming, so it’s time for the sun, sun, and more sun! Alongside the summer-y May, we take part in the Mental Health Awareness month, a time to raise the awareness of
Being Fat and Fearful of Recovery… Things Need to Change.
Being Fat and Fearful of Recovery... Things Need to Change. I haven't shared my story before, so apologies for what you are about to read. I guess I wanted to say something because I wish I had heard this over a decade ago, because I think I’d
Anxiety and the Nervous System: What’s Going on Inside My Body?
Anxiety and the Nervous System: What’s going on inside my body? Do you sometimes feel anxious or panicky, and wish you knew why? Keep reading for an explanation of how our bodies process stress and some useful strategies on how to quickly calm yourself down. You
When Stress Causes Disordered Eating…
When Stress Causes Disordered Eating… They often go hand in hand, stress and eating disorders. When I reflect on some of the hardest times I've endured living with an eating difficulty, it has always correlated with times of higher stress. School exams, starting new jobs, being
My Anorexia Story
My Anorexia Story It’s pretty difficult to pinpoint exactly when I turned to food as a way of feeling like I had control of my life. It wasn’t like I just woke up one morning and thought from now on I’m going to start restricting my
Food Should Be Fun, Not a Number.
Food should be fun, not a number. Personally, much of my ED was initiated from calorie counting, for the wrong reasons. And whilst I can now use calories for good, I believe calories on menus can be a very triggering and dangerous thing. Calories do not
Easter with an Eating Disorder
Easter with an Eating Disorder Many people look forward to the Easter break, and the opportunity to get together with friends and family. They welcome the change in routine, and enjoy the extra time we have to go out, eat, drink and socialise. Of course, for
Why I’m Against Mandatory Calorie Labelling to All Menus
Why I'm Against Mandatory Calorie Labelling to All Menus I was 12 years old when I first downloaded a calorie counting app, seduced by the promise of a ‘healthier and happier’ lifestyle. Despite being so young, my mental health was already suffering, my self-esteem was low,
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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.
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