I’m so excited to work with you on this Rach and for your related PhD work that will be incredible! Only middle because ALL of our lived experience panel contributed to this paper and have been named (imagine a paper where LE authors outnumber non LE authors!)

Thanks to our study team, our lived experience advisory panel, our funders @mqmentalhealth.bsky.social & the Rosetrees Trust, our colleagues across KCL, and most importantly our participants for sharing their experiences and views onsuch a sensitive topic.

These findings build on existing models, suggesting a need for more nuanced approaches that consider the unique experiences of individuals with EDs. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating lived experience into the development of research & interventions. (5)

4️⃣“They Only See Weight” – Gaps in care where services focus solely on physical health, neglecting the emotional and psychological aspects of EDs. (4)

2️⃣The Outsider Experience – Feelings of being unseen, misunderstood, or burdensome, particularly for those who don't fit typical ED stereotypes.
3️⃣Sparks of Hope – Protective factors such as meaningful connections and moments of belief that help individuals persist. (3)

Through semi-structured interviews with 30 individuals with lived experience of EDs and 19 clinicians, the research identifies four key themes:
1️⃣“No Way Out” – Suicidality arises from the chronic sense of entrapment within the illness and the uncertainty of recovery. (2)