On this weeks episode I am very pleased to be introducing our next recovery talk speaker, Emily. Emily identifies as being queer, neurodiverse, and multicultural coming from a background as a refugee as well as a migrant. Emily is  a mental health peer worker with lived experience, currently working as a consultant based in Melbourne. 

Emilys recovery talk explores the social and cultural norms surrounding eating disorders. After having experienced eating disorder symptoms from the age of 10 however, not receiving treatment for her eating disorder until the age of 15. During this time from the age of 13, Emily was facing experiences of depression and anxiety as well as battling other issues such as related to domestic violence, gender as well as with sexuality. This is where Emily began receiving treatment for depression from a psychologist. However, during this time this is where Emily was experiencing multiple eating disorders including Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, ARFID, compulsive exercise, restrictive eating, and Binge Eating Disorder. With Emilys treatment for an eating disorder only beginning after Emilys physical health began to deteriorate at age 15 where Emily was unfortunately hospitalised. 

However, recovery for Emily was not linear, facing multiple setbacks including those from the hardships of COVID. This included Emily having to move across Australia to a new city without the same support systems and routines that aloud for that new sense of safety as protection from the eating disorders. This is where Emily identifies the significant emotional toll that having a history of an eating disorder can have in the midst of challenging circumstances. This is where Emily needed to once again fight back against the eating disorders and begin to take small steps again in establishing new support systems to be able to handle things well again. This is where Emily was able to form meaningful connections and utilise a new sense of passion and purpose towards the advocacy role within the eating disorder community.

Emily now understands that every day looks different but overall if you are able to acknowledge when you are struggling, speak to yourself with compassion, and create a supportive relationship with others recovery is achievable. This is why Emily is really passionate about helping anyone who may be seeking help for an eating disorder or is beginning to take the first steps towards a recovery journey. 

So for anyone who may have felt inspired by Emily’s story and wants to share their recovery talk please click here.