The best way to stay slim and fit is to eat healthy foods like protein (meat, fish, egg, dairy, soya, quorn, beans); whole grains (pasta, wholemeal bread, rice and so on); and fresh fruit and vegetables. Some fat is fine – but think olive oil in a salad dressing or a few almonds rather than a family-size pack of crisps or a cream cake. Cut down on junk foods, sweets and fizzy drinks, and take regular exercise every day or two – something like cycling, swimming, running, tennis or aerobics that raises your heart rate a little.

If you are worried about your weight, see your doctor and ask for advice. Your body is still growing, so dieting is not a good idea, but your doctor may suggest a healthy eating plan. If Sue cannot stop the impulse to make herself sick after eating, though, she must see her doctor and get some specialist help and support to break free of the bulimia.

Stacey’s email rings real alarm bells. Anorexia has a tight grip of her, and unless she can see what’s happening for herself, this battle will be a tough one to win. Stacey’s email to me suggests that perhaps one small part of her, at least, knows that things have got way out of control. When she starts to see why those around her are so worried, she may begin to turn things around – with the right medical help and counselling.

If you suspect that a friend is anorexic or bulimic, tell a guidance teacher your concerns – in confidence, if that is easier – and let your friend know that although you’re worried, you are always there for her. Be supportive, and let her talk if she needs to. Try not to judge, but don’t encourage her eating disorder – and get some support for yourself. Propping up a friend with an eating disorder can be hard work emotionally – make sure you look after yourself too.

And what if you feel yourself sliding towards an eating disorder? Speak out and get some help as soon as you can – before it takes control of you. You cannot fix the problems in your life by being thin, nor by punishing yourself with starvation, bingeing or vomiting. Read through chapters six and seven again and boost your confidence, make friends with the real you… and remind yourself that food is not a friend or even an enemy, it’s just a fuel.

If you’ve lost sight of that, find some help and support – today.

Running Away

Dear Cathy

I am so unhappy at home I cannot stand to stay there another minute. Nobody understands me, or even wants to. I feel so unloved. I dream of running away, finding proper friends and a better life. And then maybe my parents would be sorry.

Jordann, age 13

Running away to find a better life… well, maybe. The reality of running away is a little less romantic. Homelessness, begging, drugs, prostitution, hunger, fear, exploitation… young people who run away from home are easy prey for lowlifes and criminals who will use them in whatever ways they can. Runaways are perhaps the most vulnerable of all young people, and life on the streets is tough, dangerous and very, very frightening.