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.
Dear Anorexia pt. 1
Dear Anorexia pt. 1 Dear anorexia My friend, my good friend My rock and my stability When I can't see a soloution You're always there to guide me A hand on my shoulder blades Giving me direction You give me feeling When I feel empty Give
Perfectionism: My Brains Ultimate Defence Mechanism
Perfectionism: My Brains Ultimate Defence Mechanism How do I become perfect? What does it take to be the best at everything? It takes everything you’ve got, and more. Perfection is UNACHIEVABLE. As difficult as it may be to hear you can never be perfect, never be
We Need To Talk…
We Need To Talk... Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation, encouraging us all to come together to talk, listen, and change lives. Simply being there and available for someone to reach out to is enough to make an impact. Offering someone
Becoming an Advocate for Others Through Recovery
Becoming an Advocate for Others Through Recovery. Community is a word that evokes so many different images for different people: large networks of extended family and friends, or a small sound group of select loved ones, being neighbourly and charitable, or people with questionable ideals or
Psychoeducation and Therapy in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity: An effective alternative or supplement to clinical interventions?
Psychoeducation and Therapy in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity: An effective alternative or supplement to clinical interventions? Having received an Enterprise Development Programme grant from the Association of Mental Health Providers, First Steps ED have continued to develop and coproduce (with experts by experience) a
The Years I Lost to Weight Stigma and Obesity
The Years I Lost to Weight Stigma and Obesity I’m a big guy. I’ve always been a bit bigger than everyone else. A lot bigger at times, but ‘big’ has definitely been a reoccuring theme of my life. My parents took me to the doctors once
The Myth of ‘Blue Monday’ (and how to take back the day!)
The Myth of ‘Blue Monday’ (and how to take back the day!) Mondays tend to get a bad rep, don’t they? In the same way we celebrate that ‘Friday feeling’, the Monday blues can sink in as early as Sunday as we shift back into our working
Why Therapy Works
Why Therapy Works Engaging in therapy can be quite a daunting experience, so taking that first step is incredibly courageous and something you should be so proud of. One of the most anxiety provoking parts is not knowing what to expect and hearing other’s stories can
Reflections on Recovery: The Long Winding Road
Reflections on Recovery: The Long Winding Road As the year ends and we approach another, reflection is important. Not only to reflect on how the past year went but to set our intention and goals for the year ahead. As for most people all years are
‘Tis The Season of Binging (But It Doesn’t Have to Be!)
‘Tis The Season of Binging (But It Doesn’t Have to Be!) I have always had an unhealthy relationship with food, but it wasn’t damaging. At least, I never saw it in that light. We all talk about the times we “smashed a whole tub of Ben
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
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!
