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
• Home - National Eating Disorders Association

What should you expect when you actually get to sober living?

In Part 2 of this two-part episode, we’re talking about some of the things I wish I had known before moving into sober living—from what to bring and how to find your recovery community, to navigating roommates, setting boundaries, helping others without losing yourself, and finding a job in early recovery.

I’m sharing some of my own experiences (including a few things I learned the hard way 😂) in hopes of making sober living feel a little less overwhelming and a little more doable.

You don’t have to have everything figured out. You just have to take the next step. 🩶

"If something has been weighing on your heart, I'd love to hear from you. Send me your questions, your thoughts, or even just say hello. You can email me at dearrecovery1@gmail.com or send me a DM on Instagram @dear_recovery1. No question is too messy, and you never have to figure it out alone."

Going to sober living can feel really freaking scary.

In Part 1 of this two-part episode of Dear Recovery, we’re talking about what it’s actually like to leave detox or treatment and head into sober living—including the fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and “Oh my God, what am I doing?” feelings that can come with it.

I share my own experience of driving to sober living crying the entire way, what helped me take that first step, what sober living actually is, how to find the right place, what to consider financially, and some important questions to ask before you move in.

Because you don't have to feel ready.

You don't have to know exactly what you're doing.

Sometimes you just have to take the next step.

And yes…you might feel a little bit like a baby pony trying to figure out how to stand. ;)-🩶

Part 2 coming Monday.