Eating Disorder Recovery

I have been in recovery from alcohol and drugs for almost 4 years now. I also struggled with anorexia and bulimia for years. I am now in recovery for everything, and life is getting better day by day.

I finally took a step back to see what everyone else saw. I have journaled regularly for years, and going back through them has been heartbreaking. A couple of months ago, I saw some pictures of me that actually scared me. I struggle witg body dysmorphia and have for a long time. Seeing those pictures, all I kept thinking was "This is not me, i don't look like that.' But it was me. I made a deal with myself that day that I was going to use the 12 steps in the same way I did for my addiction to help myself. I already knew what to do because I have already been in treatment multiple times. I started out slowly eating small but nutrition packed things, and eventually added til I was up to a safe BMI. I am "in the clear" now because my BMI is in the normal area. But that doesn't mean I'm healed and recovered fully. I still struggle. I have my days. But as long as I take it one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time, I get through the toughest parts and can continue on with my life. I still don't like pictures and probably never will, but I'm ok with that as long as I can continue this journey of yoga, meditation, meetings, and processing my emotions instead of pushing them down and using negative things to cope. #MentalHealth #EatingDisorderRecovery #AnorexiaNervosa #freedom

I’ve had an eating disorder and body image issues since as long as I can remember. I’ve been fat, average size and really quite small but always thinking that I am fat and gross. I am now fat again and still feel disgusting. But that’s the problem. Fat doesn’t equal disgust because if it did I would have felt beautiful when smaller and I didn’t. It’s all a load of bollocks.
So, I’m determined to work on feeling beautiful and not losing weight or getting fit. Everyone around me ultimately thinks that you must be fit and healthy to love yourself. They may not outright say that but I hear well enough. People’s bodies have nothing to do with anyone else, but people love to project. I’m sick of it.
I’m not optimistic that the world and society will get any better, in any way possible but, I can for myself. #BodyImage #fat #Selflove #EatingDisorders #Confidence #Autism #EatingDisorderRecovery

Hi Friends,

My very first The Mighty story was published yesterday -- I am feeling so thankful, and also v nervous. This is the first time I have shared about my eating disorder so publicly and I am a little anxious about negative ramifications, especially with the huge stigma around eating disorders. As healthcare providers, we are often conditioned not to share things about our own health journeys, especially mental health journeys.

That said, one of our directors emailed the story out to the entire department! So now everyone I work with knows. While I really hope it can help foster much needed change for patients (and get more people to advocate against the new AAP obesity guidelines) it is also so so nerve-wracking.

What are your thoughts on this. Would you trust your physician less if you knew they had their own health struggles? Or does it make them more human?

Here is the story if you want to read it :)

themighty.com/topic/eating-disorders/aap-childhood-obesity-g...

<3 danielle="" #Advocacy #EatingDisorderRecovery #Beingbrave #healthcareprovidor #MightyTogether

Chasity Snowden has struggled with Bulimia, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks for 40 years. She was emotionally and physically abused by her father growing up and the past 4 years she has struggled with chronic migraines. Chasity shares what tools and strategies has helped her to heal to the point where she is now thriving. She is passionate about spreading awareness and helping others with their mental health and eating habits. Listen to today's podcast episode to learn about what has helped Chasity because maybe it will help you too!

accordingtodes.com/116-2

#ChronicIllness #ChronicMigraines #MentalHealth #mentalhealthpodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #EatingDisorderRecovery #eatingdisorderawareness #Anxietyanddepression #Anxiety #Depression