by Carissa, 14

It started about two years ago where I would look in the mirror and feel as if I was getting fatter and fatter every day. And the stress at home was getting worse as my brother and dad where getting into more fights, some leading into family meltdowns.

Eating less

I would start to eat a little bit less here and there, and would turn down any lollies or chocolates. Then one day, a friend of mine complemented my body shape, which just made everything worse – I thought I should continue to get more compliments.

After a couple of months, when I turned 14 and the home stress levels went through the roof with my brother in VCE, it started to get worse. I would do excessive exercise and would eat two small meals a day, making excuses about why I wasn't going to have dinner.

Excuses

I still looked in the mirror and wasn't happy. My friends and everyone started to notice how pale I was and I noticed people talking behind my back.

Sometimes I would find an excuse to not go out with my friends, afraid of having a meal with them!

Fight back

But things didn't stop there. About two months ago I started to binge but, afraid of picking up weight, I would do excessive exercise. That resulted in being sick almost after every meal, if no one was around to see me throw up.

I'm still fighting this, but people must know that they aren't alone and it's a serious issue.

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more help and information:

• Visit Anorexia & Bulimia Care or call their helpline on 01934 710336
• The charity beat (formerly the Eating Disorders Association) have loads of resources. You can call the adult Helpline on 0845 634 1414 or the Youth Helpline on 0845 634 7650
• YoungMinds provides information and advice on child mental health issues. You can ring on 0800 018 2138

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