My eating disorder has taken many things from me, there’s no doubt about that.

But I’ve also learnt lessons along the way that have shaped me into the person I am today – these are some of the things that I have learnt.

Being thin won’t make me happy
I’ve never been more unhappy than at my lowest weights, no matter what anorexia tells me.

People don’t like me more when I’m thinner
I’m less fun to be around, I’m exhausted, I can’t join in with activities. I am definitely not more likeable.

I can’t be thin without sacrificing other areas of my life
Its impossible to maintain anorexia without sacrificing my social life, my job, my health. I’ve tried it too many times now. It just doesn’t work’

It’s never ‘just once’
No matter how many times I say I’m doing a behaviour just once, it never is. I can’t give in to any compensatory behaviour or cut out any foods.

There is no ‘good enough’
I will never reach a point where anorexia is satisfied – the goalposts never stop moving. Setting myself a small goal will only give way to bigger and bigger ones.

I can do hard things
I so often thought every battle I was faced with was impossible, but none of them were. Every single challenge I rose to, and I know that I can continue doing so.

Lots of people care about me
I had so many people rally behind me when I was sick – it helped me to recognise that people want the best for me.

What has your eating disorder taught you?