I survived myself

I Survived Myself is more than an account, it is a cry transformed into writing. In this book, Manuela Freire opens the pages of her own life to tell a story of pain, but also of rebirth. Between diagnoses such as ADHD and dyslexia, and the invisible struggle against anorexia nervosa, she takes us on a deep dive into her adolescence—a period marked by loneliness, cruel comparisons, labels, and the feeling of not belonging. With almost disconcerting sincerity, Manu shares moments when she was on the brink of the abyss, facing the pressure of unattainable standards and the cruelty of others words. But she also shows us how small sparks — faith, family love, writing, and even the simple act of taking a bite out of a hamburger — can rekindle the flame of life. It is a narrative about surviving the weight of ones own mind, about rebuilding ones relationship with ones body and learning that it is not an enemy, but a home. About looking in the mirror and, after years, seeing not only scars, but also strength. Written in an intimate style, almost like a conversation with the reader, I Survived Myself welcomes those who have ever felt invisible, inadequate, or trapped in silent battles. It is a reminder that perfection does not exist, that vulnerability can be courage, and that living — despite the pain — can be an act of resistance and self-love. More than an autobiography, this book is an invitation: for those who need hope, for those who seek to rediscover themselves, or simply for those who want to hear the story of a girl who, even in the shadows, found a way to flourish.