Crippled by body dysmorphia and the full belief that I was ‘fat’, my obsession with avoiding certain foods had lead me to spiral even closer to ill health and malnourishment. The misinformation on the Internet only condoning my lifestyle. I remember at the time of this picture believing that my body was too big, that I wasn’t worthy of happiness, that food was my enemy and the only way that I could continue with life was by avoiding all that I loved, suffocating myself with ‘safety’ and running a mile from all social situations thanks to a little friend of mine called anxiety.

I’m sorry that I was once the girl portraying a message that was false. I’m sorry that I smiled through the pain when instead I should have been sharing it. I could say I’m sorry that I let myself reach the point where my bones pierced through my skin and my face looked so gaunt, but in fact, I’m not. I’ve learnt the hard way how to pull myself out of a situation where my brain had the capacity to dictate and rule my life. Today I am strong, I have my body, my life and my energy back, and despite the occasional down day, I’m so proud to be me.”