Today is the start of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and I wanted to pop on to share my story a little bit further. This week, I'm going to share a video each day discussing my story - but I'm also going to write some things to really talk about these disorders, and how they affected me - and so many other people. Thanks!
Some of you may know that I was diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder as well as Night Eating Syndrome. Although my diagnosis came in college at first, many of my symptoms showed early on in my life including: constant dieting, following fad diets, recognizing foods as good or bad, hiding my eating habits, concealing or hoarding food, obsession with weight, weighing daily or more, and strange food rituals. Such as: eating food in specific orders, eating one food completely before moving to the next, prioritization of “favorite” foods for last as a treat, and more.
My eating disorder was fed by my need to feel perfect or worthy of love. And I often was told by people in my life who I loved and loved me that I needed to take better care of myself - because I consistently gained weig
ht through my life, but my connection of food and emotion was unhealthy. And I’m still working on changing that.
Binge Eating Disorder was finally recognized by the DSM5 in 2013 even though it is estimated to affect more people than breast cancer. Night Eating Syndrome is still classified under the OSFED category meaning Other Specified Feed or Eating Disorder.
Did you know that 3 out of 10 people seeking weight loss treatments show symptoms of BED? But due to the current societal views surrounding weight loss, many people don’t recognize the unhealthy nature of their view of their own body, food and dieting. Causing many to go undiagnosed.
This week I’m going to jump on here each day to highlight different aspects of what my Eating Disorders have done for me in my life - and how I live with them now, having been through treatment and working to be the best version of myself. I’m coming to you all as I am right now - nothing more.
Have questions? I’ll answer them throughout the week!