Breathe by Bella Week 1 - Topic 1 of 3 - Eating Disorders

Hey ED Warriors! 💛

I hope you're all doing amazing. Welcome / Welcome back to Breathe by Bella. Its so good to have you here!

As previously mentioned on my Journal, one of this weeks topics are coping & managing Eating Disorders. Before diving into this conversation, Id like to issue a trigger warning. This entry will thoroughly discuss the effects, causes, and experiences of EDs. If this is a sensitive topic for you, Id recommend you avoid reading. 💛

Its good to talk about your struggles to someone who understands. I hope that from one ED struggler to another, we can find support, friendship, peace, and positivity in these discussions. 

I often wonder where my "sick" thoughts stem from. Is it my fault I think this way about my body? Or did I develop this way of thinking because of the people I surround myself with? The truth is- I don't know; and thats okay! We aren't always gonna be on top of our conflicts, especially when they involve mental health. As we grow older, our bodies will inevitably change. That is definitely out of our control, and certainly not our faults. Whether its you commenting on your own body, or someone else doing so- remember this. Your body does not define you, and it never will.

Its hard to just read kind words online and actually implement that advice in our day to day lives. We hear the same 'encouraging words' everyday, especially from people who would simply never understand. Although, I usually find myself thinking about what these gentle words really mean. When battling an ED, regular days can feel unusually difficult and heavy. Sometimes, all we really need is an encouraging word to keep us going. 

Outsiders tend to assume that ED's are solely about getting skinny; and recovery is simply eating more. Thats so far from the truth. Everyday occurrences as basic as looking in the mirror, changing your clothes, going out with friends, and eating can feel like a challenge. The baggage and thought process that come with an eating disorder can feel indescribable, and sometimes even inconsolable. Thats the real struggle. 

Recovery doesn't happen overnight, and it definitely doesn't have a fixed duration before everything falls back in place again. Some days will feel hopeless, and some will feel steady. Theres no pattern or expectancy to rely on when it comes to recovery, and thats the beauty of healing.

Whats one thing you needed to hear today, or wanted to tell someone else? Im eager to read all your responses! Stay strong and don't hesitate to reach out if things get hard. You're not alone. 💛

Bella