Recognizing and Healing from Eating Disorders: A Conversation with Jen & Rylee

Recognizing and Healing from Eating Disorders: A Conversation with Jen & Rylee

Eating disorders are often misunderstood, dismissed, or hidden in shame. In this heartfelt conversation, Jen and Rylee dive into the realities of living with, recognizing, and recovering from an eating disorder—not just the physical struggles, but the emotional and psychological battles that come with it.

The Early Signs: Noticing the Unspoken Struggles

For many, eating disorders don’t start with a dramatic shift but with subtle habits—excessive exercise, rigid food rules, or a quiet but growing self-hatred. Rylee recalls how, as a teen, she struggled with overwhelming sadness and anxiety, feelings that seemed unexplainable. She, like many, believed that her need for control over food and exercise would make things feel more manageable. Instead, it slowly took over her life.

What makes it even more challenging? Many who struggle don’t fit the stereotypical image of someone with an eating disorder, making early intervention difficult. Loved ones often ask, "Why are you doing this?" or assume it’s a choice, when in reality, the disorder itself is driving the behaviors.

The Power of Support & Therapy

For Rylee, therapy wasn’t a smooth ride at first. Like many, she resisted the process, feeling forced into recovery by concerned loved ones. But looking back, she realizes the small, persistent moments of support—the therapist who didn’t try to fix her but simply joined her in her frustration, the counselor who helped separate her identity from the disorder, and the slow realization that she was not alone.

One of the most powerful moments of her journey was when a therapist told her: "This isn’t you. These thoughts, these behaviors—this is the disorder. And we’re in this together to fight it."

That simple shift in perspective changed everything. No longer was it her vs. everyone else. It was all of them vs. the disorder.

Breaking the Silence: Why Conversations Like This Matter

Eating disorders thrive in secrecy. They make people feel alone, like no one could possibly understand what’s going on in their minds. That’s why open, compassionate conversations—like this one—are so important.

If you or someone you know is struggling, know this:

• You don’t have to hit “rock bottom” before getting help.

• Your struggles are real, even if you don’t know why you feel this way.

• There is hope, healing, and a life beyond the disorder—even if you can’t see it yet.

Let’s keep talking about this, without shame, without fear, and with more compassion than ever.