Dorcas’s story: recovery from bullimia
He wanted to go to university. But he couldn’t imagine life without his eating disorder
At 17, Ben was looking towards university. Then he was told that his ongoing need for support around eating could stop him from going away.
It brought a difficult question into focus:
“Is the eating disorder really worth it?”
In this short film, Ben shares the uncertainty of recovery, the words from friends that stayed with him, and what it means to enjoy everyday life again.
“I genuinely never heard of anorexia before.”
Ben knew something was wrong, but he didn’t know what. He had assumed eating disorders were something girls experienced, making his own experience harder to recognise.
After a run left him with pain around his heart, his dad took him to A&E. Doctors admitted him because they were concerned about his low heart rate. Ben had thought it meant he was particularly fit; in hospital, he was told he had anorexia.
His experience is his own. We hope that hearing it offers understanding and encouragement, wherever you are in your own story.
The everyday moments that mean so much
Living away from home. Spending time with friends. Enjoying a takeaway together without the guilt he once felt.
Ben talks about these moments with a sense of possibility that was once difficult for him to imagine. He hopes that sharing his experience will help others see that recovery is possible, even when it feels a long way away.
“Life is definitely just so, so much better now.”
Recovery is possible. You don’t have to face it alone.
You may recognise something of yourself in Ben’s story. You may be worried about someone you love. Or you may still be finding the words for what’s happening.
At tastelife, we offer understanding, practical tools and community for people affected by eating disorders and those supporting them.
You don’t need to have everything worked out before exploring support. We can help you find a next step that feels right for you.
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Practical tips and encouragement from people with lived experience of eating disorders and recovery
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