I found a life beyond my eating disorder
“I thought my future was filled with hospital beds, depression, anxiety and my eating disorder.
I never imagined I’d become fully recovered.”
— Keira
Keira’s journey through an eating disorder was long and exhausting.
But with the right support, everything changed.
This is her story — and her mum’s — of hope, courage and the power of recovery.
Life Before RLNZ
From the age of 13, my life was a constant battle, in my house and in my head.
I tried everything: hospital stays, therapy, meal plans.
But nothing addressed what was really going on inside me.
I thought this was my life now.
Arriving at RLNZ
At 15, my mum and dad knew I needed more help.
The moment I stepped through the doors of Recovered Living NZ, I felt understood, reassured and knew I would get the help I needed.
It was scary leaving home, but I carried the strength to stick it out.
The First Weeks
The first week was the hardest.
I didn’t think I was “sick enough” to be there.
I was homesick and overwhelmed.
But after a week, I realised this was the process I had to go through.
I was thrown in the deep end.
The Turning Point
The second week, I realised there was a light I didn’t know existed.
I started speaking up in therapy.
I ate what I needed to.
I shared my feelings.
It was hard, but I felt seen, confident and happier.
Everyone understood me in ways no one else could.
Today
I stayed for three weeks.
It genuinely saved my life and was one of the best things I ever did.
I’m now 18, fully recovered, working as an early childhood teacher and heading overseas to travel.
There is light at the end of the tunnel.
It is so worth it.
“It will take a lot of strength to win a battle with your own mind—but it is so worth it.”
A Mother’s Perspective
“Our world shrunk.”
– Alison, Keira’s mum
Keira suffered for two years.
I left my job to care for her.
We monitored every meal.
School was missed.
We felt exhausted, isolated and desperate.
“Every week we walked into another appointment hoping something would change.
Every week we walked out disappointed.”
Searching for Help
We tried everything—private and public therapy, hospitals and therapists.
Nothing was working.
I researched everywhere in New Zealand.
RLNZ wasn’t even on our radar.
Finding RLNZ
I contacted RLNZ.
After an interview with Kristie, and RLNZ considering whether they would accept a 15-year-old, Keira was accepted.
For the first time in years, I felt hope.
The Turning Point
When Keira met the other girls, everything shifted.
She finally saw what we were seeing.
It was confronting, but it changed everything.
By the end of the first week she decided she was going to do the work and get well.
What Made RLNZ Different
- It was 24/7 care.
- Group therapy.
- Nutrition.
- One-on-one therapy.
- Group meals.
- Outings.
- Support.
- Treating her mind and her body.
- Run by people who had been in her shoes.
- They understood her.
What I’d Say to Other Parents
If you have tried everything else, if the public system is not working for you, please look into RLNZ.
Yes, it is expensive.
But if you can, please consider it.
“It was the best use of money we have ever spent.”
“It saved my daughter’s life.”
It is one of the hardest things as a parent to see your child suffer.
The first week will be hard.
But stay strong.
You are your child’s advocate.
I cannot stress enough how life-changing this was for both Keira and our family.
Real stories. Real recovery. Real hope.
Every recovery journey is different, but one thing remains the same—recovery is possible.
Watch Gabby’s story and see what’s possible with the right support.
Looking for help?
Learn more about our residential programme or book a confidential consultation at recoveredlivingnz.com.
Want to see inside Recovered Living NZ?
Take a virtual tour of our home.