What happens when an eating disorder starts affecting more than just food?

In this episode, I’m answering a heartfelt listener question about restrictive eating, bingeing and purging, depression, anxiety, sleep, isolation, and persistent thoughts of not wanting to live.

We’re talking about why eating disorders can often exist alongside other mental health struggles, how restriction can affect the brain and body, why everything can start to feel so much harder, and how shame and isolation can keep us from reaching out for help.

I also share some of my own experiences with restriction, emotional dysregulation, isolation, and missing out on moments of my life because I was so consumed by my eating disorder.

And most importantly, we’re talking about this:

Sick enough is sick enough.

You don't have to wait until things get worse, look a certain way, or reach some imaginary threshold of suffering before you deserve help. You deserve support, you deserve care, and you don't have to figure this out alone. 🩶

This episode discusses eating disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance use. Please take care of yourself while listening and see the episode description for crisis and support resources.

Suicide Prevention Resources:

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis, or emotional distress, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at Suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting ALLIANCE to 741-741.

• How to Ask Someone About Suicide | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness • Risk and Protective Factors | CDC • Zero Suicide • Resources - Speaking of Suicide • Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs | AFSP • Suicide Prevention • Words Matter: Suicide Language Guide • NIMH » Suicide Prevention
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