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The Signs I Missed That Meant I Was Struggling With an Eating Disorder

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Editor’s note: If you live with an eating disorder, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “NEDA” to 741-741.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I guess hiding countless bags of potato chips, chocolate snacks and drinks in my bedroom dressers was a sign.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I guess overeating large amounts of food, only to throw it up, was a sign of bulimia.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I guess becoming so fixated on the quality and purity of food, was me struggling with orthorexia nervosa.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I guess having bizarre eating rituals, distorted body image and obsessing over every bit of food going into my body, was a sign of anorexia.

I didn’t know.

No one noticed the crumbs on my bedroom floor.

No one noticed the long periods of time I would spend in the bathroom, hovering over the toilet.

No one noticed the shame and guilt I felt after eating something I felt I shouldn’t.

No one noticed I had an unhealthy obsession with eating healthy.

No one noticed I was starving myself.

No one noticed.

Please remember that eating disorders come in all colors, shapes and sizes. They do not at all discriminate.

Follow this journey on Instagram.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.

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Photo via contributor. 

Originally published: August 16, 2017
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