Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Emily

Emily has experienced bulimia since she was 11 and she was diagnosed with depression in her late teens. With the help of her GP and antidepressants she has learnt to deal with negative thoughts around eating, food and body image and is now recovering.

  • Background

    Emily is 21 and a University student. She is single and lives in halls of residence. White British.

  • Age at interview 21
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Elene

    Elene's earliest memories of making herself sick are from the age 8 and she was diagnosed with bulimia nervosa at 15. Through working her negative thinking in counselling and the responsibility of a university course, Elene turned things around for herself.

  • Background

    Elene is a final year university student. She is single and lives in shared student accommodation. White British.

  • Age at interview 20
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Andrew

    Andrew has experienced both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa since he was about 17. Counselling, moving away from home to his own place and having a supportive girlfriend have all helped him through to a better place for recovery.

  • Background

    Andrew is 19 and at college. He is in a relationship and lives in a shared house. White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 19
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Sam

    Sam experienced bulimia since his teens. He never had counselling for a long period of time but through other forms of support and life changes, the bulimia gradually faded when he was around 18. He is now fully recovered and describes the time with eating disorder like a previous life.

  • Background

    Sam is 25 and runs the only UK charity for men with eating disorders; Men Get Eating Disorders Too. He is single and lives on his own. White British.

  • Age at interview 25
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Georgia

    Georgia has experienced overeating and bulimia since High School. She has been seen both at child and adult mental health services but feels she would've most benefitted from a service targeted at adolescents. Georgia attends a B-eat support group and blogs daily.

  • Background

    Georgia is 18 and studies at University. She is single and lives in halls of residence. White British.

  • Age at interview 18
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Fiona-Grace

    Fiona-Grace has experienced anorexia nervosa and binging and purging since she was 14. With a few inpatient admissions, she has gained most help from therapies based on mentalisation techniques. Also anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication has been helpful.

  • Background

    Fiona-Grace is 22 and a University student. She is single and lives with a friend. White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 22
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Charlotte

    Charlotte started restricting the food she ate when she was 14. Later she started binging and purging and she avoids social occasions involving food. Charlotte finds volunteering very rewarding, and is an ambassador for Young Minds and Beat (Beating Eating Disorders).

  • Background

    Charlotte is 22 and a part-time student. She also volunteers with a local learning disabilities group. White British.

  • Age at interview 22
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Zoe

    Zoe was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa at 16 but has also suffered from bulimia. She describes herself as a very driven, hard working perfectionist. Through inpatient care, long term cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and her own proactive approach, she is now in recovery.

  • Background

    Zoe is a 23-year-old PhD student. She is single and lives in a shared house. White British.

  • Age at interview 23
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Laura

    Diagnosed with anorexia nervosa at 18, it took Laura two and a half years to get specialist help. Through psychotherapy, her own hard work and support from family and friends, she is now working towards recovery

  • Background

    Laura is 20 and studying to be a teacher. She is single and lives in halls of residence. White British.

  • Age at interview 18
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • James

    James developed anorexia nervosa at the age of 20, having always been very sporty and interested in nutrition. With the help and support of an eating disorders unit and through his own commitment and determination he is now gradually recovering.

  • Background

    James is 21 and lives at home with his parents, attending an eating disorders unit a few times a week. Mixed Race British.

  • Age at interview 21
  • Sex/Gender Male