When I first met Jess I had very little hope. I did not know how to trust anybody. I was frightened to talk, frightened of being judged. Talking to someone about your eating disorder is so daunting but knowing that Jess had been through her own recovery made it easier to start. I was finally able to be honest about my struggles and know that the response I received would be understanding and supportive. I had lost all belief in myself through my illness but the empathy and care I received from Jess started to rekindle my sense of self. I was treated as an individual, not an illness and this was so important. It helped me remember that my eating disorder was not who I really was, underneath I was still somebody with hopes and dreams. I was able to focus on what recovery meant for me. Most importantly, Jess gave me hope. I am still on my journey to recovery but those steps Jess took with me as I set out are irreplaceable.
Hannah