Recovery from an eating disorder is often a long and challenging journey, yet it’s filled with countless opportunities for growth, resilience, and transformation. Megan, a former patient at Schoen Clinic Newbridge, got in touch with our team to share her remarkable story and illustrate the significant impact specialised eating disorder treatment can have.
Her journey from struggling with anorexia to achieving her dream of studying law at Cambridge reflects not only her inner strength but also the life-changing support she received at Schoen Clinic Newbridge.
This is Megan's story, in her own words.
From hopelessness to a future full of dreams
"Dear whom it may concern,
My name is Megan and I was a patient at Schoen Clinic Newbridge until I was discharged exactly two years ago today. To say that the treatment I received at Newbridge has changed my life would be an understatement: before my admission, I had no hope of a life outside of anorexia, no ambitions and no self-love.
I can now say that I feel all those things; while maybe perhaps not all the time, having some experience of these feelings is truly life-changing. From a timid girl, I am now confident not only in myself but also in my abilities, and I have become the person I truly dreamt of becoming."
Empowering young people to pursue their dreams
Goal-setting for young patients, especially those in an inpatient setting, provides them with structured objectives to work toward, motivating them to envision life after recovery. Megan’s journey underscores the importance of tailored treatment approaches that address both the physical and emotional dimensions of recovery.
Schoen Clinic Newbridge offers a multidisciplinary approach to eating disorder treatment, with a team that includes nurses, therapists, dietitians, and educators. During her treatment, Megan participated in various therapeutic activities designed to help her reconnect with her identity outside of anorexia. Not only that, she was also able to continue with her academic education thanks to the fully integrated school at the hospital, James Brindley.
"During my admission, I sat my GCSEs which was petrifying and unusual but the support I received throughout them was so beneficial and now I am reading law at the University of Cambridge! University has always been my biggest dream and ambition but for a long time I didn’t believe I would make it to university let alone my dream university studying my dream course – I really appreciate the staff helping to relight my ambition to achieve my goals.
Something which helped me so much was goal-setting (both short-term and long-term) as it made me realise how anorexia was preventing me from reaching my goals and prohibiting me from living the life I wanted.
I particularly remember an activity I did where we drew what we wanted our Instagram profiles to look like in 5 years time: this really helped show me what I needed to do to make those things happen and now I am living them!"
An inspiring message of hope for those facing eating disorders
Megan acknowledges that her recovery journey has not been without challenges, but she emphasises that a life free from anorexia is not only possible but also fulfilling. She reflects on the new life she has built—filled with independence, social connections, and moments of genuine joy.
In her own words, Megan shares that anorexia no longer holds her back from experiencing life.
"Whilst my journey since being discharged hasn’t been easy and certainly not gone as positively as I’d hoped, I am now able to say that I am fully motivated to recover and I do feel like I am almost at that point.
As a patient and even until only a few months ago, I thought anorexia never went away, it was always at the back of your mind, always holding you back from life in some way. However, now I know that a life away from anorexia is possible, and not only that, it is so worth it. I hope everyone who is currently struggling has hope that things will get better and you can enjoy a life of freedom - not just an existence of torture that anorexia provides you.
I am now able to be independent, to enjoy social events (even ones which involve food), to be present, to laugh, to feel true happiness, to not fear every day, to be a good friend, a good sister and most importantly I am now able to be me.
I am no longer the shell of a girl I was two and a half years ago, I am the true me with a bubbly personality and booming heart.
Whilst recovery may seem like a never-ending mountain which will just cause more pain, more hurt and more distress, I’ve now learnt that it is so worth it and every single person – despite what their brain tells them – is worthy and deserving of recovery.
Thank you so much to all the staff at Newbridge for saving my life and refilling it with love, hope and happiness. I hope they know just how much they have changed my life and I know they will continue to transform many more. I don’t think I will ever be able to explain how grateful I am for the support I received and I hope one day I can help others just as much as they’ve helped me!"
A life transformed through dedicated care
Megan encourages others struggling with eating disorders to believe in the possibility of recovery and to recognise their own worth and resilience. Her journey highlights the importance of having a strong support system and therapeutic interventions that inspire individuals to believe in themselves and their future.
Megan's courage to overcome challenges and her gratitude toward the team at Schoen Clinic Newbridge underscores the importance of access to personalised, compassionate care. For those struggling with eating disorders, Megan’s experience offers a message of hope, resilience, and the possibilities that await on the path to recovery.
In closing, Megan wanted to share a poem she wrote as part of her discharge speech that she continues to refer back to as it encapsulates her feelings towards recovery.
"Anorexia: a friend, an ally, a mate
Until you realise the troubles she’s put on your plate.
The tears, the tantrums, the arguments too
It tears you apart, with no one a clue
Is it all worth it, like really, think?
You’re throwing your whole life down the sink
Wake up every day unable to go out
While the voice in your head continues to shout
You’ll never get out unless you’re ready to fight
But that alone takes a lot of might
I know it’s hard, not easy at all
But you can be strong, you can stand tall
Oh, beautiful people, love yourselves some more
And before you know the world will be yours
So never forget this, never. Never.
Anorexia: a bully, an enemy, an oppressor."
Recovery from anorexia: Support is available
If you need support for an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team today. Our dedicated and caring specialists are committed to supporting young people like Megan, to overcome the challenges presented by anorexia.
With their support, young people can rediscover their dreams, recover, and live full and happy lives.
Note: Words are Megan's own words. Images are for illustration only.