I was treated by CAMHS on two occasions between the ages of 14 and 16. I was treated for self-harm and bulimia. 

I saw a dietician and an occupational therapist. I remember doing body image work such as mirror therapy and was provided with a meal plan and was weighed regularly. I was discharged the first time whilst I was still engaging in eating disorder behaviours and self harming.  

The dietician particularly good and would check in with me every time I was weighed and make sure I was doing okay with my mood and the self-harm side of things. She didn’t just do what was in her job description and I felt like she cared. 

A lot of the professionals I saw didn’t really treat me with respect. One told me ‘you’re not depressed you self harm out of habit.’ I was at the time being abused and had been groomed online previously (they didn’t know about this, but they didn’t bother asking either). They didn’t offer much warmth or kindness. I felt they were fed up with me before we even started. 

The second time I was referred I didn’t want help as I didn’t find them helpful the first time and was discharged for not engaging. 

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