A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

“Feed them and they will come.” This is the mantra of many churches and religious organizations. Growing up, a church service was not complete without the fellowship after the worship service that included coffee, tea, lemonade for the kids, and an assortment of cookies. I never questioned the relationship between snacks and fellowship, but on weeks when, for one reason…

Transitions can be incredibly challenging, especially while in recovery. Change tends to go hand in hand with discomfort, disruption of routines, and the difficult task of trying something different. I often think back to my own transition of moving to a new state and starting my job at The Renfrew Center. Although these changes were exciting, the adjustment period included…

I suffered from the afflictions of an eating disorder for three years. I wanted to take the time to get vulnerable and speak a little about my journey in hope to shed some light on anyone out there currently struggling with an eating disorder. Please know, there is a path to healing and recovery is possible. Starting in 2015, I…

Reasons alum, Rachel S., shares how becoming a mom changed her, and ultimately inspired her to seek the treatment she needed. Who am I? What am I? Where am I? I spent years asking myself the same questions. Often, I was too scared to answer. For most of my life the answer to all of these questions was simple: I…

I was 20 years old when I found out I was Autistic. At that point, I was already four years into a battle with an eating disorder I didn’t know I had. My food issues started early in my life. Like many Autistics, I had severe aversions to certain smells, textures, and flavors. My hunger signals didn’t work well, and…

My name is Leah Wypych and I am the Chair of the Board of Directors for The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness. As many know, and some may assume, I am in recovery from my eating disorder. Many also assume this is the reason for my drive and passion to help anyone struggling with an eating disorder. They are mostly…

When I started my military career, the thought of me developing an eating disorder was improbable and impossible. Less than a year later, a near-death experience as a volunteer firefighter triggered the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which was accompanied by depression, anxiety, and ultimately an eating disorder. My eating disorder initially presented as a renewed interest in intentional…

For many who struggle with an eating disorder, the state officials’ mandate of practicing social distancing can feel like a complete juxtaposition with having access to a kitchen full of food at home (California Department of Public Health, 2020). This can trigger feelings of helplessness, extreme fear, and even rage that can make it extraordinarily difficult to refrain from restricting,…

Are we wired for parental guilt? I remember the moment I found out I was pregnant, my initial rush of joy and excitement was quickly stolen by pangs of guilt... “Have I been on prenatal vitamins long enough?” More broadly understood as the age-old parenting question: “Have I screwed them up?” Those little moments have continued: “Is he too young…

As we all continue to limit social interactions with those outside of our immediate household, LGBTQ+ youth in recovery face unique stressors that may pose a barrier to recovery. For some LGBTQ+ youth, friends, community centers, and even school can be a safe haven to express themselves freely. When home does not feel like an affirming environment, LGBTQ+ youth may…