Hey guys!

 

It's Kathleen here.

I've actually been debating for months about whether I should post this or not.

I turned a blind eye to my disease and hid symptoms from my friends only until half a year ago mainly because I was afraid. Last year, I was certain that nearly all my schoolmates knew about my anorexia, and even for those who didn’t, they surely must’ve guessed it. (And now that I've mentioned it, I suppose you all know now...)

Anyway,

I chose to share my story not because I want attention, and definitely not because I wanna throw a pity party.

I chose to share it as I believe that it can inspire and offer support and empathy in a way that those without any experience of eating disorders and mental health conditions may never know. I believe that by speaking out, I can give courage to hundreds of survivors; and by openly acknowledging these illnesses, I’m able to contribute to reducing the shame and stigma associated with these illnesses that cause much silent suffering, fear, and isolation.

Writing my story has not only helped me believe in my own ability to take responsibility over my recovery, but it has also led me to become more mindful of my experiences. It has given me permission to consider all the events of my life and begin to make sense of where I came from, propelling my recovery forward as I deepen my self-awareness. I also thought of writing this as an opportunity for me to construct my own personal narrative, which up till this point may have been constructed by others or not at all. It has allowed me to challenge false beliefs I’ve held about myself and write a truer life narrative.