In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness week, a few Mighty community members shared reasons they chose to seek help and treatment. If you’re in recovery — or have sought help in the past — what was the turning point for you?
If you are seeking support call the National Eating Disorders
Association Helpline at 1-800-932-2237.
Call the SAMHSA hotline at 1-800-662-4357.
Connect with other Mighty members who get it here: https://themighty.com/groups/recoverywarriors/
Transcription:
The Turning Point That Made People Seek Support for Their Eating Disorder
If you live with an eating disorder, asking for help can be difficult.
Here’s a few words from Mighty community members who’ve been there before share the moments they chose to seek help.
“When I discovered that the happiness I was searching for was not coming, it was never going to come from losing weight. All it brought was a lot of pain and hurt.” – Anonymous
“I felt so utterly alone with my eating disorder as I kept my behaviors a secret for months. I gathered up the strength to reach out
and they got me the help I needed. It wasn’t an easy path, but I was so sick and tired of being sick and tired; Letting people in became
my saving grace. I continue to practice openness and authenticity today in recovery and in my life.” – Lexi Manion
“I was in denial for years that I had an eating disorder. It wasn’t until I read a magazine article and a well known celebrity divulged her addiction to exercise that made me realize my unhealthy relationship with food and exercise. So, I started digging and did the work in therapy. Do I still have struggles? Yes. But I’m much more aware of my triggers and building a healthy relationship with
food and exercise, and addressing my past. It feels so freeing to be able to create meals now for nourishment and not restrict myself.” – Jae C.
“The first time I went into treatment, a mental health treatment program I was in insisted I go. But the second time I went into
treatment, my eating disorder was manifesting physically, and it made me feel physically uncomfortable all day. I decided to go back to treatment to change my eating habits and mitigate my symptoms — I was tired of feeling so ill.”
– Kelly Douglas
“When I learned I no longer needed to diet to be healthy, I cried, “I am finally free”. I began to wonder what else that is so
earth shattering that I do not know. My relationship with my body will never be the same. This was my emancipation day.”
– Alisa Porter
If you are searching for support for an eating disorder you are not alone.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for support.
When you’re ready to seek help, here are a few resources to support you:
Call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-932-2237. Call the SAMHSA hotline at 1-800-662-4357.
If you’re in recovery, what made you seek help? Share your answer in the comments.
I'm a video and podcast producer who focuses on mental health and social impact content. In my free time I dance, wear funky hats and write about my journey with anxiety, ADD and more.
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