Published at 11:12, Thursday, 19 July 2012

AN Egremont teenager, who has battled anorexia, is featured in a new book to promote well-being.

hopeful words: Leona Byers from Egremont

Leona Byers has seen her poem, entitled Hope published in a new book by Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which aims to inspire readers to use writing to improve their health.

The 16-year-old, who has struggled with anorexia for the last two years, said she is now in “a good place’’ after using writing to express her feelings.

Her battle with anorexia began around November 2010. “To start off with things were fine. I was happy that I’d lost a little weight. I was still perfectly healthy and didn’t really think much of it,’’ she said. “Some point in February 2011 however was the turning point.’’

Her parents became worried and encouraged her to eat more. “It was the fact that people were trying to tell me what to eat and when to eat that really upset me. It was the one thing I was gaining control of (my weight and diet) and other people were trying to take that control off me.’’

Last summer, Leona was referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

“The more people fought my illness for me, the more I wanted to retaliate. I lost more weight during treatment, and praised my self for it. I hated seeing specialists, I felt like I was wasting their time as I thought I was too fat to be anorexic.’’

She began to think everyone at her school was judging her. “My illness had just made me paranoid. I wanted perfection not only physically, but socially as well.’’

Unable to exercise, due to her physical condition, she found writing poetry helped her “escape and vent’’ her negative emotions.

“The ability to write my feelings and thoughts down on to a piece of paper and say the words that I wanted to say but might be afraid to speak is amazing, and also very therapeutic. “Poetry distracts me. When I write, my mind and heart focus on that one thing I’m writing about.’’

Leona is planning to study at St Benedict’s sixth-form in September before hopefully going to university.

She said: “To anyone who has issues with lack of confidence/self esteem, self harming or suffers from an eating disorder I’d just like to say not to give up.

“Regardless of how dark a place you’re in, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.’’

Leona thanked her family, friends (in particular best mate, Jodie Mingins) and the staff from CAMHS and NHS for their support.“This time last year, no one really thought I’d be where I am now,’’ Leona added. “So the fact I’ve written a poem about recovery and am willing to speak out against the illness, it’s just a huge relief and achievement.’’

Words for Wellbeing is available from bookshops, Amazon or contact Carol Ross on writing.year@cumbria. nhs.uk

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk