Profile

From a young age, sensitivities manifested themselves as obsessive-compulsive disorders beginning with tourettes syndrome, later transfering to a fifteen-year eating disorder (anorexia and bullimia). To cope with this, in my teenage years I turned to recreational drugs for confidence, self-esteem & general social acceptance. Little did I realise the consequences, when suddenly I was spinning on the underside, in an underworld and loosing my marbles rapidly.

In my early twenty’s I encountered a major nervous breakdown, became a life threatening danger to myself and was admitted to a psychiatric unit/day care centre for acute mental illness for the best part of a year. Recovering from this episode has been a long and slow but steady process. Some ten years on and I am really reaping the benefits of commiting to a path of natural healing.

Mental health is inherent in our family and my experience of recreational drugs made it all the more challenging to identify and deal with. Journeying to improved well being has been through a combination of organic plant based living foods, exercise in the great outdoors and amazing family/friend and professional support! This natural path to healing has allowed me to remain hospital free and reduce medication, a lifestyle I would highly recommend to anyone with any health challenges.

Despite mental health being part and parcel of my life, I discover daily ways to cope and manage in a world where 'mental health' is still very much stigmatised. Little steps, little steps. The clarity and creativity that natural healing brings, inspires and encourages on so many levels, is something I wish to share with people.

Emma is qualified by the UK Centre for Living Food, currently studying a Professional Diploma in Holistic Skincare Formulation and Production, with Star Khechara. In October 2010, she will embark on a five year journey in Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine with the College of Naturopathic Medicine.