Dear Diary Blog
Share your story on The Diary Healer
The Diary Healer offers a safe and supportive environment in which to share your story. Sharing your story can help you to develop a sense of belonging and connectedness with self and others. Stories that provide a message of hope in coping with life challenges are especially welcome. Share your story today.
More than a diagnosis: how finding my identity helped me find recovery
As a little girl, I was a wine glass, round and full of sweet red purple liquid. I didn’t know it was rotten until you put my rim to your lips and raised me into a champagne flute but you..
Clarity on anorexia nervosa: from childhood through motherhood
Jessica turned 38 years old on the day that her story was posted on The Diary Healer. After reading her insightful account and seeing the photo of her carefully cradling her newborn child, flanked by her two daughters, I asked..
Recovery memoir pre-publication study: inviting participants
Help shape the future of an unpublished book about recovery from anorexia A new study run by Oxford University researchers is investigating the effects of reading a memoir about recovery from anorexia prior to publication. Key points: Existing findings on..
I’m a psychiatrist and my daughter has anorexia
I saw anorexia nervosa (AN) coming. It did not strike me suddenly. I had developed AN as a girl, and the thing I feared most about becoming a mother was that it could return in my life, harming one of..
Motherhood brought clarity to my childhood anorexia
I sit here, at almost 38 years old, reflecting on the years that have shaped who I am. Have you read Steven Levonkron’s book, The Best Little Girl in the World? That was me. Parts of me still have that..
How anorexia strikes fear into food and causes life to crumble
When anorexia nervosa (AN) dominated my mind, I behaved in some really crazy and sometimes dangerous ways. I would not dream of behaving like that today, because AN no longer bullies or manipulates my thoughts. But during my most vulnerable moments,..
The role of hope in recovery and wellbeing
Whatever mess we find ourselves in, hope is our most powerful get-well tool. When we experience illness or trauma, our recovery becomes a journey and a destination. Along the way, hope provides a lantern when shadows surround us. Our wellbeing..
The Niggle – when Anorexia and Anxiety are Partners
Is anxiety related to the later onset of anorexia? Is anxiety related to the maintenance of anorexia? A reader shares her experience ahead of a FEAST webinar that will explore this issue. I feel it in my bones. I feel..
Departing a rudderless sea to save myself
When young, I never imagined the world had a plan of its own. I was only aware of my existence and those close to me, never questioning there was choice between how, where, what or why anything may happen and..
Australian families unite to address gaps in eating disorder support system
A parent-based organisation is calling for more support for families affected by a loved one living with an eating disorder. In only four years, Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) has fast become a vocal and respected advocate for raising awareness..