My journey started at a young age. I suffered from Selective Eating Disorder (SED), also known as ARFID, and dealt with severe anxiety. I was extremely picky about what I ate and lived in fear of trying new things - even the idea of it was terrifying. This has been something that has been with me throughout my life and has brought a lot of challenges.
Despite these difficulties, I’ve found ways to cope. I work hard to have patience with myself so I can challenge my anxiety when it comes up. Learning how to understand my triggers helps me figure out how to face them head-on instead of avoiding them altogether.
I’m so lucky to have had such amazing support around me during this time, from family and friends who always encouraged me through these daunting times. It’s been made easier for sure with their understanding and support - though it hasn’t always stopped the fear or the thoughts from fronting up each day.
Having to live through the everyday roller-coaster of emotions that come with SED/ARFID is definitely no easy task but facing whatever may come my way is becoming easier and easier each day - knowing that there are people that care and understand goes a long way in helping me make progress.
I urge anyone reading this who might be struggling that it’s still very much possible to live a happy life while dealing with mental health issues such as ARFID/SED - just like any other hardship in life, there is light at the end of this dark tunnel too!