“You have to choose your own path that makes you feel okay.”

Share your stigma experience.

People believe that eating disorders are not psychological based. I ran and continue to run into people who cannot grasp the idea that it is more than just eating. Many just assume that I do it for the weight loss, attention, and that I can easily get over it.

I have to constantly battle the stigma of that I can easily turn it on and off. I also have to battle with the stigma of recovery. I received that it is a process. Sometimes you go forward in some ways, and other times you may fall behind.

I also have to fight the stigma of just talking about it. People hate talking about eating disorders cause they either don’t know what to say or that they feel as it is not a problem.

How did you overcome this experience?

I still struggle my eating disorder, anxiety, and depression. But I continue to work hard. I have a great support system. Going to treatment centers can be scary but when you are in the right mindset they can be amazing.

I’ve had some amazing therapists and nutritionists over the years as well. I think best and most positive tools are my coping skills I’ve learned and the good environment that allows me to share and let me be okay.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

Recovery is a process, a journey. We are all in different places in our lives, and there is not one path. You have to choose your own path that makes you feel okay. Also know that you are never alone, and you are loved.