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Nadia: For me the choice was at first I think, started
out or at least in my head, just with wanting to lose weight but along the way I think the
eating disorder became more of a coping mechanism for me in dealing with the stress and pressure
I felt.
Host: While many people will follow diet and exercise
plans at some point in their lives, most do not develop eating disorders. But unfortunately,
that's not the case for some who are genetically vulnerable or at risk for a variety of other
reasons. Instead of following cues from the body and mind about hunger and health, rigid
rules about food and appearance are created, the eating disorder takes control.
Nadia: I would constantly be thinking about how I
looked and how others see me and how I couldn't eat in front of other people and just so many
of the rules that came along with the eating disorder.
Host: Eating disorders, often associated with depression
and anxiety, develop from a combination of biological, psychological and socio- cultural
factors. It doesn't help to tell someone "just eat." These disorders are serious mental illnesses
that are so strong; they can override the survival instinct.
Sylvia: On some level I was aware that it would lead
to death. It doesn't seem realistic almost...like you don't really like to think about those
things.
Nadia: Having an eating disorder if very lonely a
lot of the times and just trying to stay afloat I guess was really hard. Everyday life was
a struggle and I didn't know if I was ever going to recover.
Host: Because college students are in the typical
age range and undergo significant life transitions, they are more at risk to develop eating disorders.
Left untreated, eating disorders can interfere with the body's systems and become chronic
and even lead to death. Early identification and treatment is crucial and leads to better
outcomes. Eating disorders are not phases; they have the highest mortality rate of any
psychiatric condition.
Sylvia: The hope and courage came from thinking that
there had to be something more I think. That I think there were many times where, I didn't
necessarily not want to be here, but I just didn't want to be in the eating disorder.
So it's just like imagining that there had to be something else.
Host: Here's the good news, with treatment, complete
recovery is possible. The healthy, spirited self is not gone; it's eclipsed by the power
of the eating disorder. With help, you can restore to a healthy weight, be grateful for
your body, feel feelings, think more realistically, connect with people who matter and live a
life of meaning.
Nadia: I am just coming to terms with myself, just
accepting myself and gaining more self confidence I think. I just want to sort of release those
worries that I have about all those doubts and just be happy with who I am.
Sylvia: Right now I'm in probably the best place that
I ever remember being in life. I just got so much of my life back.