Eating disorders thrive in isolation. Isolation is what they do, they cut people off from family and friends. They tell people they don’t deserve help or they are not ill enough. They tell people they are alone.
In isolation, this eating disorder voice is louder and stronger than ever before.
Help us shout louder than the eating disorder voice by sharing your story on social media, let people know they aren’t alone and help is available. Asking for donations to support Beat will mean our Helpline can continue taking calls from people struggling to get through this crisis.
Speak about your experience on social media to help share hope, raise awareness and raise funds.
Remember not to include any content or images that could be triggering for others. A trigger warning isn’t enough! If it could be triggering, don’t share it.
We know that speaking openly about your experience can be a bit scary at first but we’re here to help. If you’re not sure where to start, why not talk it through with a friend or family member? That’s what one supporter, Hannah, did and she found it helped her move forward with her recovery, confident in the knowledge that her fundraising would help others too.
“I was terrified to share my story because my eating disorder was my secret. I had never shared this part of me, but I learnt how important this step could be in my recovery. I wrote a draft of what I wanted to share and asked for my family, psychologist and Beat to read it. I began by sharing my story slowly, starting with my grandparents and best friends before sharing publicly on Facebook. Taking this huge step was the most terrifying but rewarding experience. No longer was it my secret, my hidden demon".
I could now talk about my struggles with anyone and be supported by all my family and friends. I could rebuild my relationships with my friends, and I could feel more free from my eating disorder as it was no longer only me fighting it, everyone was on my side against it.”
Ready to share your experience? Start your Facebook Fundraiser now or share your story on a JustGiving page.