Hayley's Story

Turning the Tides

“Have you ever wished you could feel better? I have wished and yearned to feel the passion for heartfelt healing.”

This is opening up begins about my diagnosis with Anorexia Nervosa and with Bulimia Nervosa. This here is the challenge ‘opening up’ about ‘eating difficulties’. Having the will do deal with the struggle internally and challenging the behaviours externally to wanting to have a positive life.

Recognising the pattern of challenging behaviours and circumstances equals the opportunity to change for the better. I, myself have had my own share of mental health challenges that have crippled me from happily living my life.

Firstly, I have just recovered from the diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa. Yes, that was my hardest learning how to healthy process my thoughts again is hard. (This can be done) I have chosen to do a therapy called ‘Dialectical Behavioral Therapy’ or DBT for short. I have chosen to do this for the long term. DBT is to help improve my thoughts through ‘Mindfulness’ and ‘Emotional Regulation’.

I also had the diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa for 19 years. What did I do to make a difference in my recovery? I kept on seeking treatment and acknowledged that I was the one to change my circumstances. The ‘eating disorders’ diagnosis began to have less influence on me.

I also challenged the diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa that I had for 27 years. This occurred from bullying. The battle with Anorexia Nervosa was beaten by with the help of many influential supports like family, friends, therapists, specialists with the Butterfly Foundation, Beyond Blue including Sane Australia etc. I never would have been able to ask for help without their help.

So let’s talk about one of the hardest things I learnt through DBT. I had to learn how to recognise ‘judgements’ either ‘good or bad’. I personally had a hard time with this skill. Getting and realising that the words ‘good or bad’ is a judgement. Giving up the negative beliefs and self-defeating behaviours from the eating struggles was the hardest part of the recovery.
I had to breakdown these behaviours and had to learn to recognise these behaviours. I am still doing DBT skills and learning the therapy as well.

Also to do the DBT program I gave up Bulimia Nervosa. My therapist and I did treat the eating disorder through DBT. As I would like to say “Nobody is the same for treatment. Each treatment is unique and tailored differently for each person”.

So to give you about more about myself. I have had the diagnosis of mental health disorders my whole life. Also I have an Autism spectrum disorder and many other disorders that affected my ability to recognise recovery.

Always ask for help with psychosis, hallucinations because this can effect the battle with the eating difficulties too. The medication from a psychiatrist can help with improving the quality of life and behaviours.

With talking about mental illness do not be ashamed talking about hallucinations and psychosis including self destructive behaviours. The specialists are there to help and your supports love to see you healthy and happy. The more you challenge these difficulties the more you develop a strength within yourself.

“Remember to try and try again,
Remember to love yourself and
love yourself again,
Remember to watch the turning of the tides”.