"I am on strict bed rest and in a critical condition"

Derry girl, Amber Harkin, has battled with anorexia for as long as she can remember.

Now, at 30 years old, Amber is bravely fighting to recover after a relapse at the beginning of last year and remains in a critical condition.

Amber is on strict bed rest and regularly sees doctors that monitor her organ function and recovery as the disorder has specifically caused grave pressure on her heart. 

Speaking to Derry News, Amber said each day is a struggle but she is continuing to fight, "I thought it was hard before because I have always been fighting this, but this is the worst I have ever been," she said.

"I relapsed last year, I don't know what triggered it, whether it was made worse by the pandemic and the isolation, but I have been put on strict bed rest ever since.

"Each day is a struggle and it is very mentally draining. It is really, really tough but I will keep trying.

"I can't work or do anything because I have been put on bed rest to prevent further strain on my heart and it is mentally draining.

"It is scary at the moment because I don't know if or when I will get better but I can only hope. It is hard to stay positive but you have to be."

Amber pictured (left) with her sister Ashlyn 

Amber wants to speak out to raise awareness for anorexia and for people to gain a greater understanding of anorexia.

10 percent of people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime and 90 percent of people who do, are female.

Anorexia is an eating disorder and serious mental health condition. People who suffer from anorexia try to keep their weight as low as possible by not eating enough food or exercising too much, or both. This can make them very ill because they start to starve.

"It is not what people think. It is not just a case of `I eat something' and everything gets better," Amber continued. "It takes over your whole life."

"Some of the things people say to me, I know they don't mean it but I have to block it out because it can be quite offensive, but I know it is just because they maybe don't fully understand.

"There has to be a better understanding of the illness and what it does to someone's life. It has led to my OCD, it leads to very serious mental and physical complications.

"It is a constant battle and it is just as mental as it is physical, a lot of people don't realise that. The mental disorder leads to physical problems."

Amber has since started a GoFund me as she is currently unable to work as she fights to get better.

"I was very scared to start the GoFund me, I don’t know if anyone will be interested in helping me but I decided to do it.

"This fundraiser is because I’m struggling so much at the moment with anorexia and it’s going to be a long time before I get back on my feet again as I’m on strict bed rest and in a very critical condition.

"Every penny will help towards my travel expenses to go to my appointments as that’s where I’m struggling with money the most at the minute.

"I can do drawings for everyone who donates in return as a thank you. I’m sorry to have to ask for help but thank you so much for everyone who always listens and supports me no matter what through this horrible illness."

To donate to help Amber visit: https://www. gofundme.com/f/struggling- with-anorexia?utm_source= facebook&utm_medium=social& utm_campaign=p_cp%20share- sheet&fbclid=IwAR0u7K_ SvrrvgdRUI30plBuzI5sNIUzNHM5LN 7XamvWX6nUq0isZKjcQUKo 

If you have been affected by the issues raised, contact your local GP or https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/. 

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