The Signs I Missed That Meant I Was Struggling With an Eating Disorder
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.
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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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I am here to show that you can live a full life while living with mental illness. Although some days are far more challenging, I hope to aspire and help others through my own mental health journey.
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