Support for Eating Disorders- Fife, Scotland

Qualified in both Counselling and Community Education, I decided to set up in self employment in Nov 2005. It was and continues to be a huge risk financially, but it's something I have wanted to do for a long time. I previously worked as a 1-1 rehabilitation worker within the field of substance misuse. Prior to that I worked in a variety of community education/youth/adult setting.

I myself suffered from both bulimia (in the main) and periods of anorexia, for more than ten years, from the age of 16. I'm now 34 (May 2006) but really have only felt confidently recovered for just over five years now. The period between age 27 and 29 being one of continual doubt in relation to relapse and recurring, yet gradually reducing, episodes of bulimia. However, I can confidently say I do not now believe I shall develop either anorexia or bulimia again......touching wood very quickly. I don't class myself as 'cured' but I do class myself as being in control and being happy and accepting of my healthy eating, body image, healthy BMI and of me as a person in general.

How did I recover? Good question and sadly, without appropriate professional support or help. I approached my GP in my teens, when I recognised I was being controlled by my eating disorder. Although my GP was kind and approachable, there was very little support offered. I did eventually receive appointments with a psychologist, but unfortunately these were non empathic, lacking any real understanding or realistic action plan for recovery and only resulted in me feeling I was completely alone with my problem.

I (wrongly) didn't ever approach NHS services again, but must point out that this was my only negative experience and I should have gone on to request to see an alternative psychologist, as it is important to find the right person/professional to work with as well as the right combination of working/recovery methods.

I say 'wrongly' as I do feel good NHS services were indeed available and continue to be developed today, although are unfortunately still lacking and do struggle to meet high demands. I continue to advise clients to approach their GPs about support for their eating disorders and to use the service I offer as additional to any NHS treatments offered. Getting the right combination of support and medical treatments is important.

Trial and error. Ups and down. Perseverance and lots of patience. Accepting and seeking support from family and friends and recognising and ridding myself of any unnecessary stress and pain........I am happy to share further details, relating to my own experiences, with clients, if and when required/requested.

I feel if a good combination of support had been offered when I first visited my GP I may not have experience the 10year battle I did.

With a Community Education background, I decided to go on to study further, in the hope of developing a service complementary to any NHS medical or psychological support offered.