Eating disorder awareness is a topic I am very passionate about. It's important to be educated about this issue!

What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are a type of mental illness that affects body image, food, and exercise. They can affect people of all genders, ages, sizes, and ethnicities- and they include the disorders anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and EDNOS. All these disorders can have serious physical, mental, and social health effects on the sufferer.

My Story
For me personally, this topic is important as I have struggled with an eating disorder (anorexia and EDNOS) for seven years- since I was 15. My unhealthy relationship with food, exercise, and my body has caused me many issues, from physical health issues like hormonal problems, fatigue, and memory loss, to other mental health issues. It has also negatively affected my social life, isolating me from friends and harming my relationship with my boyfriend. I have been in and out of treatment for this issue, but I am doing much better at the moment and am putting a lot of effort into my recovery!

What can we do?
Eating disorders are horrible, and no one deserves to live with one. Here are some ways you can help those who are suffering:
- Focus on improving your own body image; set a good example!
- Educate yourself. Know what signs to look for in yourself and others, and find local helplines.
- Talk about food and body image issues with friends and family members.
- If you are worried for yourself or someone else, talk to a doctor or counsellor!

Please post any questions in the comment section!

*To seek help for any of the disorders described above, please follow the links below. NB if you can't find your location in the list, most of these links provide online information and support, so you can browse any of them.

USA-based

UK- based

Australia- based

Brazil/South America

Bulimia Support Group