York student urges others struggling with eating disorders to ask for help
Molly Smith was diagnosed with anorexia when she was 14
A York student's encouraging others to resist the pressure to go on an extreme diet this new year.
20 year old Molly Smith was diagnosed with anorexia when she was just 14 - she's now sharing her story to help others who are struggling.
She says January can be an especially difficult time of the year for people who struggle with issues around food. "It's now probably my sixth year of having an eating disorder and seeing like what's everyone's new years resolution, to lose weight, joining the gym, stuff like that, but for people who have struggled with eating disorders or are more vulnerable to that it is a really hard time."
"I think if anyone is out there listening thinking oh I'm not really too sure, I'm hearing all this about all these New Years resolutions and everyone is being the best versions of themselves, I'd say don't put as much pressure on yourself, it's really not worth it."
She also has this advice for anyone who thinks they have an issue: "Being able to recognise it in yourself is a huge step first of all so that is something I really struggled with, I didn't really think I had a problem but unfortunately society really does normalise disordered eating."
"Being able to understand and identify it and finding that safe person to talk to whoever that may be, there are some brilliant online resources, if you don't feel like you've got someone you can talk to."
Where to get help?
If you, or someone you know, is having a problem with an eating disorder, there’s help available from BEAT Eating Disorders - www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Or you can call them on these numbers:
England - 0808 801 0677