I was extremely poorly with Anorexia Nervosa and close to death

“I have been attending the group for a year and seven months at which time I was extremely poorly with Anorexia Nervosa and close to death. I found out about the Group via an Article that Cathy Cleary had in the Derby Evening Telegraph and was desperate for some help, so I decided to attend.  At this time I was being treated by my local doctor along with a local Psychiatrist.  On my 1^st session I found first steps unbelievably helpful, as did my dad who accompanied me.  I couldn’t believe it, this was the first time I had met people like me, and I didn’t feel so alone and crazy.  Discovering that there were also people, like Cathy that had recovered from such a destroying illness gave me hope. I am still on my way to recovery and everyday is a struggle.  But this is helped by the great friends and support I am lucky enough to have received from First Steps.  I have gained knowledge, advice, encouragement and kindness and I don’t think I would be here to tell the tale unless I had seen Cathy’s Telegraph article.  First Steps has played an important role in my recovery during my wait for treatment at Leicester Eating Disorders Service and I feel they offer a fantastic service to both sufferers and carers.  I know my family has gained greatly from the advice at the group.”