This coming week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week and I want to take this opportunity to include my voice in the theme of strength through experience and knowledge.

I was nervous and terribly afraid to share my story.  In fact, I still am.  If you’re still reading - thank you.  I hope to remove the stigma about eating disorders and mental illness all together.  Because by knowing it’s ok to not be ok, and to ask for help, is truly remarkable and so freeing.  

You tried to cover up the emotional pain with physical pain. Forcing yourself to make stride after stride despite the pain in your stomach, legs, and lungs.

Knowing there might not be a chance to tell him ever again, I told my father about my eating disorder while he was on life support. I held his hand, stared at his face, and cried while I told him my story.

I see you.