The impact of an eating disorder can have lifelong effects on both the physical and psychological wellbeing of a sufferer regardless of gender.
Recognising this, local woman Bianca Hill is holding a support meeting for people who are struggling with an eating disorder or poor body image.
‘This area of the health industry is not serviced in Byron Shire and there are so many people out there who are greatly in need of a support network,’ said Bianca.
Bianca recognises that many people can’t turn to clinical professionals for a range of reasons, from fear of stepping into the unknown, recognising they need help, judgment, unawareness of the severity of their illness or feel they haven’t received the right support in their recovery either prior to, in, or post hospitalisation.
‘I have been battling anorexia for years and since coming out of hospital and fighting in recovery from March this year it has been my mission to help other people going through the same struggles,’ says Bianca.
‘I don’t want to see anybody else nearly lose their life to such a horrible illness. It is an illness that completely ruins your life and a battle that leaves you mentally and physically exhausted each and every day.
‘For me, and many other people in recovery, the only feeling of support and encouragement that’s helpful and feels as if people understand and relate to is with somebody who has been through or is going through the same battle.’
The meeting will be held at Future Dreamers on Marvell Street in Byron Bay from 6pm on Monday October 15 and will create an opportunity for support and ways to cope with the illness. They are hoping that this will become a regular monthly meeting.
‘I know there are women and men out there suffering both from eating disorders and poor body image concerns and I want to help people through this,’ says Bianca.
If you would like to find out more or attend the meeting contact Bianca on 0422 968 969.
