2 years ago I was given just over a week to live after being diagnosed with critical anorexia nervosa. During those two years I have turned my life completely around, advocating for BEAT the eating disorder charity, gaining a healthy weight and relationship with food. Now, in just a few weeks time, the Government is trying to put calories on menus. I feel this is a danger to my recovery. 

When restaurants and cafes began to open again I pushed myself to eat out after not allowing myself for many years or ensuring I only ate the “salad” option. My life used to be consumed with studying menus for days picking what I thought was the lowest calorie option. Now I am able to eat meals that I wouldn’t have during the height of my anorexia and can enjoy them. 

However, recovery is an ongoing process, I still struggle everyday and it’s something I will have to live with. When I heard that the Government are going to impose menus to include calories I broke down.

All the hard work I have put in trying to ignore them is about to be thrown out the window - last week I went to a restaurant and it was clear as day and I cried in the toilet - I felt myself going backwards - all my control was about to go.

Mental health services are struggling already and eating disorder cases have nearly doubled over the past 2 years - there is a lack of psychologists and this is going to set people back. It’s only a matter of time.

So please support me today in signing this to help those in serious need - you never know who will be affected by mental health. Your signature could just save them.

kelly x