Butterfly Foundation for eating disorders announces their new ambassador Mia Findlay
Thursday 5th April – Today, Butterfly Foundation is excited to announce and introduce their new ambassador, Mia Findlay.
Mia came to Butterfly due to her own lived experience, her strong desire to share her story with the community, and her passion to address the current misconceptions and stigma so often around eating disorders.
Mia struggled for a number of years with an eating disorder and like so many, found it difficult to access appropriate treatment and community care. Upon recovery, Mia became passionate about sharing her story in the hope this could help others overcome their own eating disorder. She has developed a project of producing personal content and video reflections placed on YouTube, documenting her experience and motivation for recovery. This channel What Mia Did Next, has gained support an interested from people all over the world.
Mia was nominated in 2017 for the Pride of Australia award and appeared onThe Today Show on Channel 9 speaking about her eating disorder and the work she is doing in the community to overcome stigma and break down misconceptions.
We are delighted to have joined forces with Mia and look forward to working together.
GET TO KNOW MIA
We asked Mia a few questions, here’s what she had to say.
What does being an ambassador for the Butterfly Foundation mean to you?
Being appointed as the ambassador to the Butterfly Foundation is an incredible honour. I am so proud to be working alongside an organisation which cares so deeply and works tirelessly for those who suffer from eating disorders. Having recovered from anorexia myself almost 5 years ago, it is a privilege to advocate in this capacity on behalf of those who are currently battling these illnesses. I have no doubt that we will accomplish wonderful things together.
How did you eventually come to the realisation that you needed support and then reach out for help?
I was chronically ill, isolated, hopeless and becoming increasingly despondent. It was with the love, support and encouragement of those around me that I was finally able to challenge my eating disorder and commence recovery. I was fortunate enough to have access to an empathetic, understanding doctor who referred me to my lifesaving psychologist. I came to learn through my advocacy that this is not always the case for those who seek help and grew increasingly determined to work towards making that reality possible for all sufferers.
What impact do you think sharing your personal story can have on the wider community, or someone that may be in the midst of the illness?
My hope is that my personal story will inspire those battling their illnesses to reach out for help or continue on the recovery path. I hope to be an example that recovery is absolutely possible but more importantly that a happy, healthy, fulfilling and purposeful life is waiting for them on the other side.
What messages do you give your online community around recovery and seeking help for an eating disorder?
I am constantly encouraging my online community to reach out for help whether to a loved one, a hotline, a medical or mental health professional. It is essential to also impart the message that they are not alone and that there is no such thing as not being ‘sick enough’ to deserve treatment. These are deadly illnesses – they bear treatment and support regardless of diagnosis, weight, shape, size, age, gender or race.
In your time as an ambassador for the Butterfly Foundation, what do you seek to achieve?
I will seek to inform the wider community of the reality of eating disorders and our shared responsibility to improve the current state of support for sufferers. My number one aim is to reach those who are in need of hope or a reason to keep going – whether that is someone suffering, their parent or partner, friend or carer. Recovery is incredibly hard work, but it is the best work you will ever do.
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 or support@butterfly.org.au
For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
-ends-
Butterfly encourages the media to adhere to the Mindframe Guidelines for reporting of suicide and eating disorders.
Media Contact: Danielle Cuthbert 0421 978 940 danielle.cuthbert@thebutterflyufoundation.org.au
Facebook – thebutterflyfoundation
Twitter – @BFoundation
