Thanks for being so vulnerable and sharing this. I really know all those feelings you mentioned above, because I too had a similar time at university. I now accept that it was all those times and experiences that have led me to who I am today. I love your way of storytelling - it's honest, raw and refreshing
Teresa, thank you so much for reading! ❤️ It’s wild how many of us went through such similar experiences during our college years 😢. My hope is that the more we talk about it, the fewer people will have to suffer in silence.
And thank you for your kind words about my storytelling—it’s the easiest way for me to step back into my mind at that time. I’m working on loving my younger self instead of judging her… but that’s easier said than done. ❤️
I’m 70 but could relate to your story. My 35 year old daughter suffered a horrific eating disorder which manifested in college and continued for some time. She is now recovered and healthy. It took tremendous effort on her part and much support from family. She sought both residential and out patient treatment several times. Each facility helped her reach her goal of a normal life. The first step to recovery is admitting you have an eating disorder. This is paramount. She is now a writer in LA and has written openly about her Ed. Writing and talking about this illness is so important to the healing process. Other sufferers need to hear your voice and know they are not alone. Thank you
Carol, thank you so much for sharing this with me!! I’m incredibly moved by your daughter’s strength (and by yours). Recovery is SUCH a layered, courageous journey, and it’s clear she had the kind of love and support that makes all the difference.
Also, I completely agree, talking about this illness, writing about it, naming it out loud— are such essential parts of healing. Your words remind me that stories like hers (and mine) matter deeply. We never know who might feel a little less alone because we chose to speak.
Please thank your daughter for being open about her journey. And thank you again for your kind encouragement—it means the world. 💛
Another perfect piece, you are a gifted writer. I got teary reading this. My daughter is a freshman in college, and she is very, very thin. Also, and I'm going to write a post about this, but when I went through my divorce, I got scary skinny because I literally thought I wasn't going to make it. I couldn't eat. And as I moved down to a size 2, 0, everyone came up to me and told me how beautiful I looked. The irony. Our society is upside down when it comes to women and weight and beauty.
Patty, thank you so much for your kind words!! Your story really hits deep, and I can only imagine how hard it was to hear those comments at a time when you were struggling so much 😣. It’s heartbreaking how our society equates thinness with beauty, without considering the pain that can come with it. Your daughter is so lucky to have you—someone who sees through the illusion and can help her navigate a world that often gets it so wrong. I’d love to read your post when you write it. This conversation is so important. Sending you love and gratitude for sharing this. ❤️
We need more of this out there. People need to realize how common ED's actually are and that they are not alone! I still haven't found the words to write my story, but it's on the list to keep trying! I was never diagnosed, only told I was "at risk." I'm a health & wellness coach now and work with eating behavior, but not ED's (as that's out of scope). But, the more I learn about the clinical definitions and reflect back on my reality, I could check the box for anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder! Maybe we need better diagnostic tools, maybe we need earlier intervention, I don't know. But we certainly need to lower the stigma so more will seek help. Your story is so powerful.
Thank you for this comment, Bree! I agree with you on needing more broad definitions on what an ED is. If it’s a struggle or becoming a coping mechanism, I think it’s time to reach out for help! 💕
I think the hard part is, nobody knows where to turn for help. In my case, I tried to find help and was more or less ignored. Brush it under the rug. I had to find my own way, and thank goodness I did! I don't think everyone is so lucky, though. I'm trying to fill that gap now, for folks struggling but who don't identify with an eating disorder... but know something isn't right.
Ugh I am so sorry that your experience was not validated!! We definitely need people who TRUST when others say, “something is off.” Grateful for the work you are doing 🙌❤️
Thank you so much for sharing!!! I also struggled with an anxiety related eating disorder during the beginning of college. I had a relapse but now I've been good for 2 years! Thank you
as an eating disorder therapist--thank you for sharing your story and being vulnerable. I have recovered from my own ED as well and went into the field to help people. College was a time my ED flared up significantly...so important for you to point this out.
Thank you for sharing, Hanna! I truly appreciate your work as an ED therapist—we need more people who are dedicated to understanding these struggles and supporting those who face them. I’ve subscribed to your page and look forward to following along with the resources you share! ❤️
Thanks for being so vulnerable and sharing this. I really know all those feelings you mentioned above, because I too had a similar time at university. I now accept that it was all those times and experiences that have led me to who I am today. I love your way of storytelling - it's honest, raw and refreshing
Teresa, thank you so much for reading! ❤️ It’s wild how many of us went through such similar experiences during our college years 😢. My hope is that the more we talk about it, the fewer people will have to suffer in silence.
And thank you for your kind words about my storytelling—it’s the easiest way for me to step back into my mind at that time. I’m working on loving my younger self instead of judging her… but that’s easier said than done. ❤️
I’m 70 but could relate to your story. My 35 year old daughter suffered a horrific eating disorder which manifested in college and continued for some time. She is now recovered and healthy. It took tremendous effort on her part and much support from family. She sought both residential and out patient treatment several times. Each facility helped her reach her goal of a normal life. The first step to recovery is admitting you have an eating disorder. This is paramount. She is now a writer in LA and has written openly about her Ed. Writing and talking about this illness is so important to the healing process. Other sufferers need to hear your voice and know they are not alone. Thank you
Carol, thank you so much for sharing this with me!! I’m incredibly moved by your daughter’s strength (and by yours). Recovery is SUCH a layered, courageous journey, and it’s clear she had the kind of love and support that makes all the difference.
Also, I completely agree, talking about this illness, writing about it, naming it out loud— are such essential parts of healing. Your words remind me that stories like hers (and mine) matter deeply. We never know who might feel a little less alone because we chose to speak.
Please thank your daughter for being open about her journey. And thank you again for your kind encouragement—it means the world. 💛
Another perfect piece, you are a gifted writer. I got teary reading this. My daughter is a freshman in college, and she is very, very thin. Also, and I'm going to write a post about this, but when I went through my divorce, I got scary skinny because I literally thought I wasn't going to make it. I couldn't eat. And as I moved down to a size 2, 0, everyone came up to me and told me how beautiful I looked. The irony. Our society is upside down when it comes to women and weight and beauty.
Patty, thank you so much for your kind words!! Your story really hits deep, and I can only imagine how hard it was to hear those comments at a time when you were struggling so much 😣. It’s heartbreaking how our society equates thinness with beauty, without considering the pain that can come with it. Your daughter is so lucky to have you—someone who sees through the illusion and can help her navigate a world that often gets it so wrong. I’d love to read your post when you write it. This conversation is so important. Sending you love and gratitude for sharing this. ❤️
This is really hard stuff to write, and I admire you for doing it.
Thank you, Rochelle. I am learning that I am not alone in this battle. Thank you for taking the time to read!! ❤️
We need more of this out there. People need to realize how common ED's actually are and that they are not alone! I still haven't found the words to write my story, but it's on the list to keep trying! I was never diagnosed, only told I was "at risk." I'm a health & wellness coach now and work with eating behavior, but not ED's (as that's out of scope). But, the more I learn about the clinical definitions and reflect back on my reality, I could check the box for anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder! Maybe we need better diagnostic tools, maybe we need earlier intervention, I don't know. But we certainly need to lower the stigma so more will seek help. Your story is so powerful.
Thank you for this comment, Bree! I agree with you on needing more broad definitions on what an ED is. If it’s a struggle or becoming a coping mechanism, I think it’s time to reach out for help! 💕
I think the hard part is, nobody knows where to turn for help. In my case, I tried to find help and was more or less ignored. Brush it under the rug. I had to find my own way, and thank goodness I did! I don't think everyone is so lucky, though. I'm trying to fill that gap now, for folks struggling but who don't identify with an eating disorder... but know something isn't right.
Ugh I am so sorry that your experience was not validated!! We definitely need people who TRUST when others say, “something is off.” Grateful for the work you are doing 🙌❤️
Thank you so much for sharing, it must have been difficult, I enjoyed reading and getting more insight into this topic xxx
Thank you so much for reading. It feels nice to get something so heavy off my chest ❤️
I bet xx
Thank you so much for sharing!!! I also struggled with an anxiety related eating disorder during the beginning of college. I had a relapse but now I've been good for 2 years! Thank you
You are helping so many people by sharing!!
This is so good! I felt myself in every word you wrote! Thank you! 💕
as an eating disorder therapist--thank you for sharing your story and being vulnerable. I have recovered from my own ED as well and went into the field to help people. College was a time my ED flared up significantly...so important for you to point this out.
Thank you for sharing, Hanna! I truly appreciate your work as an ED therapist—we need more people who are dedicated to understanding these struggles and supporting those who face them. I’ve subscribed to your page and look forward to following along with the resources you share! ❤️