I am able to receive continuous support in the fight against my eating disorder

"I had been having weekly therapy sessions for a few weeks when my therapist suggested to me that I attend First Steps, at first I was horrified by the idea, there was no way I was going! Gradually with time I got up the courage to attend a meeting and I feel it was one of the most important steps I have taken so far I my recovery. Walking into the room for the first time and seeing a room full of unfamiliar faces was daunting to begin with, but everyone was so friendly I soon felt more at ease. By the end of the first meeting I was feeling a little more relaxed, and going back to the next meeting was a little easier as I know knew what to expect. During the second meeting I attended I started to talk to others about their experiences and have subsequently made some great friends who have been part of a valuable support network in my recovery. I found the group gave me hope, these were all people with eating disorders at different stages in recovery, and it was possible to get better. Also as everyone had had a personal experience with e.d’s then I felt that they understood what I was talking about, they had been through this and were able to give tips on things they found helpful (for recovery). I no longer felt alone in this illness. First Steps enabled me to see my illness in a different perspective, they were able to deliver serious information in a light hearted manner, they helped me to understand my e.d and through the young person’s support group HYPED I was able to work on building my confidence and begin to enjoy social activities with people with similar difficulties, I was then able to use these experience to help me to cope outside the support group.  The flexibility First Steps allows is great too, I was worried that once I left Derby to go to uni that my support network would collapse and I would be cut off from First Steps, but the friends I had made through the group sessions kept in touch, I received regular emails about the group from facilitators and was also able to access email support when I needed it too, in addition to this, I am still able to attend meetings when I am home meaning that I am able to receive continuous support in the fight against my eating disorder."