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.
Eating Disorders Do Not Have “A Look”
Eating Disorders Do Not Have "A Look" I was diagnosed with Atypical Anorexia one month before my 40th birthday. Nine months earlier I’d been sat in the doctor’s room for the first time, trying to explain that I had “issues with food”. I don’t know whether
Book Review: Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
Book Review: Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig I’m not a great reader, I wish I was. I am what I describe as a ‘fair-weather reader’. It is not until summer arrives that I pull myself away from work and catch up on those reading
Social Media and Body Image: Are Filters Fuelling Negative Body Image?
Social Media and Body Image: Are Filters Fuelling Negative Body Image? According to new research from Girl Guiding, 40% of girls aged 11 to 16 say they’ve seen images online that have made them feel insecure or less confident about themselves, increasing to 50% in girls
Love in the Darkest Places Pt. 3
Love in the Darkest Places Pt. 3 Don't forget to read Part One & Two XXIII How to feel beautiful without feeling hungry: I don’t know XXIIII My Favourite Monster The truth of how I feel Asks to be set free Acknowledged and recognised
What Is Reiki And How Does It Work?
What Is Reiki And How Does It Work? Given the complex nature of eating disorders and the difficulty of treating them, it makes sense for those in recovery to keep an open mind and explore alternative forms of treatment and therapies which might complement their existing recovery
Supporting Students with Eating Disorders
Supporting Students with Eating Disorders We’re proud to have supported Student Minds on a groundbreaking research project to understand the provision of support for students with eating disorders across the UK, with the aim to make national recommendations on what we can be doing better to support
Love in the Darkest Places Pt. 2
Love in the Darkest Places Pt. 2 Don't forget to read Part One VIIII The Path Less Travelled I’m feeling pretty peaceful Turning to contentment From confusion and delusion so many hard years spent I want for nothing Need for nothing, today My inner voice isn’t
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health as They Go Back to School
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health as They Go Back to School As summer comes to an end and children reluctantly trade in those relaxed summer days for a return to the classroom, you might begin to notice a change in behaviour. The thought of heading back to
Leave a Lasting Legacy
Leave a Lasting Legacy It is never too early to start thinking about the world we’ll one day leave behind. Gifts left to First Steps ED are absolutely vital to our work. Every single donation enables us to provide services to anyone suffering with an eating
Love in the Darkest Places Pt. 1
Love in the Darkest Places Pt. 1 I Home I’m not sure I know how to feel beautiful Without feeling hungry It’s the emptiness in my belly That fills me with false joy And false love And it empties my heart along with it Now
Fundraising for First Steps with Be Defiant
Fundraising for First Steps with Be Defiant The impact of the pandemic on our mental health is unmistakeable. Fear and uncertainty have fuelled an increase in anxiety symptoms across the UK and it set to continue as we still adjust to changes to our routines and
Celebrating Pride in Belper
Celebrating Pride in Belper In case you missed it... It was such a pleasure to take part in Belper's online pride event this year! Thank you to our incredible ambassadors who joined together to create such a wonderful video which shows our pride and passion for
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.
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