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Q&A Series: Leah

Writer's picture: Amy HanleyAmy Hanley



Name: Leah

Age: 25

Gender: female 


Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed for my blog. The goal is to raise awareness about what eating disorders are and what sufferers go through. 


Q: Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself, and about the eating disorder you have?


A: My  Name is Leah, I am 25 years old and I suffer from Anorexia Nervosa .


Q: When did you realise you had issues with eating, and what did you do to seek help?


A: I can’t say when it started but, it did get really bad when I was 16 . Everything revolved around food and needing to feel in control.  I attended my GP who diagnosed me with Anorexia aged 16. I was then referred to start treatment within the community.  


Q: Did you encounter any difficulties when seeking treatment?


A: Yes. It was exhausting having to go to doctors and get bloods and then get referrals and be put on waiting lists for treatment or being told that the particular clinic is booked out and the only option was to keep attending my GP for tests and be out on waiting lists. 


Q: What changes would you like to see in eating disorder services?


A: Quicker access to beds in hospital it shouldn’t be a case that if you live in a specific that you can possibly get that bed. It’s bad enough that eating disorders are competitive. This makes it worse as it makes us suffers feel like we’re not sick enough to get  a bed in a general hospital. Also less waiting times between access to services. 


Q: What is one thing you would like people to know about eating disorders?


A: They are not about being thin. They are not about wanting attention. I know for me as it is for so many others it’s about needing to control a certain aspect of your life. It’s never just about food. There’s always a lot more to it. It’s just a coping mechanism. 


Q: What piece of advice would you give to someone who is struggling with an eating disorder?


A: Try reach out for help. You’re not alone. You can’t make it go away forever. You will have bad days. But each time you get knocked down stand back up stronger. 


Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?


A:  Life can be so beautiful and sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to see it. 

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