February 22nd to February 28th is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. This week is important because it helps spread education, hope, and resources for individuals who struggle with an eating disorder. This week is about building a movement to raise awareness and support for those who are affected by eating disorders.
Eating disorders are more than just about food. Eating disorders are a complex illness that impacts many individuals. Eating disorders do not discriminate, they affect people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Back in May of 2019, I went to treatment for an eating disorder I struggled with for five years. I remember the first day I got there it felt like I was losing everything. In reality, I gained everything I was losing.
“You can live your life with an eating disorder and lose your life… or you can lose six months of your life so you can live it.” -mom
These were the words my mother said to me on the plane ride to Arizona. I will never forget it. At the time, I was annoyed at her for making that comment. I was “happy,” even though inside I was miserable. It has been almost two years since I left treatment and began recovery from my eating disorder.
Today, looking back on that moment I realized taking time to heal was the only way I could truly live again. Like always… my mother was right.
What did I gain from treatment?
I was able to have a conversation with someone without struggling to focus.
I was able to communicate my feelings rather than run away from them.
I was able to enjoy my mother’s cookies.
I was able to go to a restaurant and order what I wanted.
I was able to sit at the dinner table with my family and not in my room.
I was smiling more.
I began to laugh at things again.
I began to enjoy my favorite foods.
I began to be honest about my experiences.
I began to spend more time with my family and friends.
I was able to enjoy each moment.
I gained the ability to see the positive things in life.
I began to love myself for all my imperfections.
I began to not hate what I saw in the mirror.
I gained confidence to chase my dreams.
I began to measure my worth in who I was rather than my body size.
I gained the ability to value the hard times because they gave me strength.
Lastly, I got Sarah back.
Life is precious. TAKING TIME TO HEAL is important. It was not easy. There will always be ups and downs. You will have good days. You will have bad days. It is important to take pride in the little victories in life. Recovery is hard. It is a lot of work. It is dealing with uncomfortable feelings. It is sitting with the negative emotions. It is changing the way you speak to yourself.
If you know someone who is struggling with an eating disorder, here are some helpful tips:
Encourage them to seek help.
Be prepared for negative reactions
Show them empathy and compassionate, fighting against an eating disorder is hard.
Avoid simplistic solutions such as “Just eat” or “Just stop,” IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT FOOD.
Listen to them. They may just need someone to be supportive of their emotions.
Don’t be afraid to talk about it with them. Even if they avoid the conversation, deep down they will know you care.
Educate yourself. Learn about the facts and myths of weight, nutrition and exercise.
If you are someone who is struggling…
You are more than just a body.
Your body is always deserving of food.
You are a lot stronger than you think.
Do not be afraid of recovery, it is uncomfortable and scary but worth it.
No food will ever hurt you as much as you negative thoughts.
Not everything on social media is an accurate description of beauty.
Measure yourself in the contentment and laughter.
You are here for reason
You are beautiful.
For more resources on eating disorder awareness go to www.nationaleatingdisorder.org
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