Page 26 - The Final Exam Book - NO GRID 25:03:24

Rachel
After enduring years of battling bulimia, anxiety, and self-harm, my personal struggles have ignited a passion within me to reform the mental health system, combat the stigma surrounding mental illness, and o!er support to young individuals grappling with similar challenges. I consider myself to be in recovery from my eating disorder and have achieved an interdisciplinary master's quali"cation in mental health, specialising in youth mental health. Additionally, I am employed as a Peer Support Worker within the specialist eating disorder service at FTB, where I assist young people in confronting recovery fears and challenges, while emphasising the attainability of recovery.
My journey to recovery stands as the most signi"cant and arduous accomplishment of my life, surpassing any academic or professional achievement I have attained.
My struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and low self-esteem began during my early years in secondary school, and I was surrounded by friends contending with various mental health issues. Re#ecting on this period, I believe I was in#uenced by the behaviours of those around me, and at the age of 16, I developed bulimia as a means to cope with escalating anxiety. Initially, these behaviours provided a semblance of control in a world that felt chaotic. However, akin to any addiction, they ensnared me with the false promise of security. With the unwavering love, support, and encouragement of my family, I sought treatment and diligently embarked on the path to recovery from the eating disorder. Just before my 18th birthday, I was discharged from mental health services and ventured to university. However, the challenges of independent living, academic pressures, and societal
expectations at university reignited feelings of helplessness and worthlessness, leading to a relapse into bingeing and purging behaviours. This downward spiral necessitated a period of support from my parents, during which I engaged in challenging conversations, talk therapy, and anxiety management techniques to gradually rebuild myself. Each instance of challenging the eating disorder voice brought me closer to envisioning a future free from its grip, one characterised by ful"lment and happiness.
I understand that the current circumstances may seem bleak, lonely, and overwhelming, but it is crucial to hold onto hope. Our mental illness can often obscure this reality, making us feel isolated in our struggles. However, it is important to recognise that many individuals are currently experiencing or have experienced similar challenges. Drawing from my own experiences with mental illness, I have learned that treatment is e!ective, and recovery is attainable. It is essential to acknowledge that you are not a burden, not to blame for your illness, and that your loved ones will stand by you. Mental illness is a common experience, and no one should be made to feel abnormal or isolated due to their struggles. You deserve more than what this illness tells you, and it is crucial to recognise your strength and resilience. Today's challenges do not de"ne your future, and a life "lled with happiness, health, purpose, and ful"lment awaits beyond this illness.
“Semblance of control...feelings of helplessness and worthlessness...no one should be made to feel abnormal or isolated”