I absolutely LOVE that when he asked "When you look at yourself, what do you see?" she started answering about who she is as a person, not how she looks physically. That's actually really big for someone with an ED. For real. And it's really hard to say nice things, the way she initially did, I really hope she started recovery and is doing well because she seems like such a wonderful person and is worthy of happiness and living a life not controlled by those inner thoughts.
I have Anorexia and I am still in recovery. I will always be in recovery. I am 55 years old now, even though, you can't tell I still have to force myself to eat at times. I still have a very poor body image. God bless you and may The Lord help you in your journey.
@@lillywelish3241 Thank you, God bless you as well. I only have Anorexia and not bulimia. I am in recovery from anorexia. I did try to eat and make myself throw up. It made me feel worse about myself. I would exercise for about 3 hours a day and go for about 3 days without eating anything. I was hospitalized due to dehydration and being malnourished. That was over 30 years ago. I am much better now than I was then. I still have tendencies to revert to my old behaviors especially when I am under alot of stress. I have a myriad of health issues including Diabetes. Some of my health issues are from depriving myself the proper nutrients. I also have OCD and Anxiety as well as Anorexia as well other medical issues. I was extremely bullied I believe my Anorexia gave me a sense of Identity and belonging.
@@elizabethschreffler9182 I can relate with you SO much. I started with my disorder (anorexia) when I was 12. I am 49 and still have to fight the pull it still has on me. Good luck and good health.💜🌸
@David Armstrong You are so so wrong. A person’s health is NOT determined by how attractive you find them. Please read about anorexia: look at WebMD or testimonials about people who can explain in their own words just how devastating it is to have.
I’m in this boat too. On my 11th year of anorexia, just turned 19. She summed it up completely- anorexia is often about feeling undeserving, unacceptable etc. It can get better. You have to uncover your negative core beliefs and refute them. Forgive yourself for anything you did to hurt yourself. I feel so blessed that my compulsive symptoms have improved drastically. I can live kinda normally. It’s good that she has a support system. It’s really helpful in recovery. Hope she is well
@@godislove7500 I respect your faith, but you can't tell people that praying will cure their disorders. People who deal with mental or physical health issues need treatment. You and anyone else is welcome to pray as well, but it isn't a substitute for medical help. Decades of studies have proven modern medicine effective for most. I wish you well.
Wow. You just gave me an a-ha moment. I have binge eating disorder and thought I was just a sugar and salt addict but I realized I think to myself without realizing, "you don't deserve to be healthy and feel good about yourself". I have extremely low self esteem and self- worth. It manifested as binge eating and alcoholism. Self- sabotage. Every compliment us " they are saying that because they are my mother/ sister/ husband" etc
@davidarmstrong7628 Commenting like this you might well supporting her unhealthy voice. Please don’t comment the body shape or size of those who have an eating disorder. You can't fix them with those comments, instead learn how those comments make things worse. You can comment her personality and who she is. That way you dont feed the anorexia voice. And thats what she also commented in her video. She gave great advice!
I dealt with anorexia and bulimia for 6 years throughout in my teens and have so much compassion for anyone who struggles with this. I've fully recovered from e.d's and am hopeful that everyone who struggles with them fully recovers too.
My absolute favorite quote about eating disorders calls back to the all-or-nothing thinking and difficulty of moderation (and addiction- it’s not a commentary about DIFFICULTY of recovery, just the differences that exist within two things that have a lot of similarities): “With addiction, you’re figuring out how to put the tiger in a cage. With eating disorders, you have to figure out how to take the tiger for a walk three times a day.”
I actually really appreciated the "What is counterproductive to say?" Moment. Someone really close to me had anorexia and it was really tough to learn "You look healthy" translated to "You look fat" to them.
She has amazing insight into all of her disorders. I pray for her to have a lifetime recovery. Anxiety disorders and eating disorders definitely carry each other along. I've been a bulimic for 37 years my entire life basically. It's so good to hear Rachael speak so eloquently and acceptingly. There's always hope for recovery!!
I had anorexia for 5 years and a few months ago I finally got free from hospital because I am recovered. She explained everything, honestly, so good and it is a delight to have people that shows the world how it trutly is. Also she is a light in this world. ♡♡
I struggled with a severe eating disorder about a decade ago. The most painful thing to hear was "Why don't you just eat?" I had a medical doctor once ask me in the Emergency Room "Have you tried just eating?" That stings to this day. People clearly do not understand neurobiology, but I would expect a doctor to do so. I did not struggle with dysmorphia, but I do still struggle with dysregulation from C-PTSD, and when my anxiety is bad, I see myself calorie limiting. I really push myself to eat though and to not take my anxiety out on myself. I still fixate about food though and about my nutrition. I think about it a lot, and I fixate on making sure others eat. I love how you described the little voice of anorexia. Awesome interview. I really appreciate your sharing.
I had a severe dangerous deadly case of Anorexia for 13 straight years. Just celebrated my 10 year RECOVERY anniversary. You are worth recovery. You got this! I recover from Anorexia with no treatment.
@David Armstrong I don't think you understood what was explained in the video. But I get it, she looks very pretty and can speak very articulate. But that's not the issue here.
I thank you for being so frank and open. At 46, I still fight with this but I am working on myself and changing the generational trauma that caused it so my children will hopefully see themselves better.
I hope she is doing okay still. I absolutely love how sweet and open she is in this. I myself have an ED (but bulimic) and I can relate in a lot of ways with her pain.
She's gorgeous! And I mean this in all the best ways that have NOTHING to do with her weight! Her smile, her dimples, her beautiful personality! Hope she's recovered and doing well!
Rachel, you are a pure delight! I appreciate how brave you are . Know that you are an inspiration to so many people who are struggling g with anorexia., and you courage is so empowering ! Thank you for sharing yourself with us, you are a true heroine! Bless your heart!
Im so proud of you for getting this far! I relate a lot to the idea of being self aware but also losing control in the moment. So hearing you talk about it really helps me see how far I've come too :) thank you!
Thank you for sharing your story. You seem like such an insightful and compassionate person (literally typed that before you said thats how you want people to see you so you're doing great with that!). I would like to thank you for talking about the control / security factors / the interaction of your OCD. I think so many of us were taught that its just a body image thing. But it's so much more than that. I hope all the comments here can help you feel just the tiny bit more secure that you are totally deserving of love, and so lovely in your dedication to being open with others.
I've suffered with anorexia over the years and after a long journey trying to change my mindset, I've finally become comfortable in my body again. When people ask about my experiences I never know how to explain what anorexia is from my perspective. I'll recommend this video from now on.
I had anorexia starting in middle school and high school, and then it turned to bulimia, which I’ve had ever since. It’s been over half of my life now that I’ve struggled with eating disorders. Thank you so much for highlighting this!!
I can never predict the impact these sort of videos leave until I watch them. I have never struggled with anorexia, and even though I consider myself lucky in that way, I can resonate with her advice about reaching out for help. Sometimes you just find the right thing at the right time. I hope Rachel is doing well
Those big brown eyes ! Smart young lady with a kind personality there. I can see her 🔮as a veterinarian or a teacher for kids, bc she’s got a big heart….I wish her the best in life, & see a survivor here……
This really makes me so sad.God bless this sweet lady and please Lord let her know she’s worthy of a healthy happy life and please heal her body and mind🙏🙏🙏
Many young adults are struggling with eating disorder now, especially during the pandemic. This is the best dive into the mind of this amazing young lady.
This is very good to know what this is because I am subscribed to a lady that has this illness and she is awesome and trying her best to get threw life
I struggle with it too. I have been in recovery for 15 years. When I feel fat, I feel disgusted that I can no longer control my food. It's not easy. But it's getting easier. I still don't discuss my weight though. It's taking effort. I love that she addresses the control issue. It was a way to have control over something in my life. ( Because I don't have control )
She's so cute and her voice is so nice! :D Btw I can't stop being amazed by the questions that are being asked to all those people. So well thought through, sensitive, straightforward, just so... Perfect. Absolutely love all the episodes and interviews ❤️
You are not only smart and beautiful, but you have a personality that I love. I know you are a strong person and I feel in my heart you will overcome anything that you are struggling with.
Thank-you, Rachel, for being so brave to share to us what it is like to be anorexic. I feel that there is so many misconceptions and people respond to loved ones with anorexia out of fear saying things like, "Eat more!" You also felt relatable to my own personal struggles (I tend to have very black and white thinking and a very rigid and inflexible approach to living). Now I know how better to talk to someone with an eating disorder that isn't off putting and recognizes the personal battle in their head. And I also want treat them like a "sick" person or like I "pity" them, but that I value them.
Very articulate, just one aspect of you that's greater than the topic on hand today. We see your compassion and your want to help others ...we can see you are so much more than the voice in your head. Look at how great a reward your dog is and if you want something that will be a reward X 1000000. Your disease can harm or take away your ability for a family and you need to be able to sustain yourself through pregnancy and providing adequate food and nutrition for the baby growing(organs will increase in size due to the demands of the baby so more sustainance needed), that being said, you have plenty of time to get there. Once the baby is born, it takes much more that the ability to run or look a certain way ...it takes physical strength, initially the baby will be plastered to either you or your partner a lot of the time, having some healthy fat to provide cushioning is more ideal than a toned surface. You can do it, you realise what the voice is trying to do, you realise that it is being negative even when there is a gap in a song. Your best friend and comfort is actually your nemesis and as a warrior you are fighting it every day. It's good to realise that your OCD is only limited to measurements and actions you can control or are available ....in reality 0.2 grams difference is a massive amount in terms of the cosmic scale. What I'm trying to state,that may help you, is that you have been living,thinking you're controlling everything when in actually... Youve been as controlling as throwing a ball at a target after being blindfolded and spinning around with no frame of reference... This comment may help you realise what specifics you already have no choice but to let go, which means letting go further should mean less ... Your goal is to be healthy .....and being ill (a weakened immune force) (less fuel to battle a virus for instance) or close to death (where you need a hospital, I don't need a hospital for living and I'm sure you could run further than me) and with no muscle or healthy fat mass is not healthy. All in all...you are much more than this battle you're fighting and it will not stop you from getting what you want in life X
Thank you for sharing this with us. It helps my recovery process to know that I'm not alone. I'm in my 40s and just learned that I've been battling an eating disorder all my life. Since it's not anorexia, I think it was more difficult to figure it out as I was never hospitalized for my eating disorder. For me, it's not "If I eat, I'll get fat", it's "I'm not allowed to eat" and "If I was thin, nobody would talk to me about my appearance because I'd be like everybody else, therefore I would physically disappear and it would be a bliss". It's very subtle because I want to be acknowledged without being seen. Being connected to my body is a major challenge and my eating disorder can give me physical symptoms to prevent me from eating (nausea, panic attacks, gagging). It's a process, but I'll get through it. Anyway, maybe this will help other people understand that they might have an eating disorder too and seek help. That's what I'm doing right now and it's really hard, but I believe in the process. Thank you for creating this safe space to share.
She’s so pretty and sweet inside God Bless her and heal her!Please let her get well and healthy with her nutrition;relieve her anxiety and stress about food.Please ease her mind Lord and give her PEACE!
😊😊 I would love to do a interview on this channel😊😊 I had a dangerous severe case of Anorexia for 13 years straight. I ended up fighting for my life for one month in the hospital in 2012. One December 5th 2022, I celebrated my TEN recovery Anorexia anniversary. It was not easy, however it was worth it..
I feel bad that she probably cannot enjoy food now. I hope she develops a normal relationship with food, eats mindfully, and enjoys it. I know there is so many things more important than enjoying food, but that part hurts me.
still love this video we need to talk about this lonely disorder more, we have the highest mortality rate & it’s currently rising in the USA as i write this .. thank you for spreading awareness, especially this woman she’s so incredibly brave to speak about this 🙏🏼
Girl, you need to be around to inspire the next generation, Tell that to your anorexia please? Talk to her, let her know that you actually know that she wants what She thinks is the best for you... But You should invest in being healthier and more fufilled... Hold hands with it and find a solution with her, see what your anorexia actually needs ( why she actually does what she does), negociate, and please... Stay healthy and around so YOU CAN INSPIRE OTHERS. You seem really amazying! keep up, Amazying progress!
I stuggled with anorexia as well, yup, you read it right, STRUGGLED, in THE PAST. RECOVERY. IS. POSSIBLE. Just keep fighting, I know it is the f*cking hardest thing in the world but I swear recovery is worth it. You deserve to live a happy life, you deserve to heal, YOU ARE A WARRIOR.
Unfortunately, I relate to her with regards to the struggle to find treatment that feels safe, meaning supportive and encouraging so that challenge meets skills. My experience is the higher levels of care treatment system follows a cookie cutter track and it’s all-or-nothing. I’ve been trying to engage a holistic community-based OT / sensiormotor / somatic / mind-body / creative approach for 6+ years. OT for adult MH seems grossly underutilized! Hold on girl!
Pray to God, "God please save me!!" Pray every day, He is always with you. You can talk to Him about anything and ask Him anything in Jesus' name. Do daily bible reading out loud, it's so healing. Look up healing scriptures online or read any of the bible out loud, it's all good to read. I believe you will overcome the battles you face each day. God is strengthening you, He loves you so much.
ED roads are painful roads to walk and stumble and struggle upon... so much energy and time and life is lost to ED, she is brave to have made it thus far, not all do
My life is consumed by food thoughts too. But I'm not too thin or too thick, I just look normal so whenever I ask for help, because it's so tiring living with these thoughts, people just look at me thinking I'm searching for attention, which isn't the case at all. However, when I wake up, the first battle for me is not having breakfast and making an appointment with myself which time I'm aloud to eat. People see me and assume everything is okay, but it's not... I've learned to pretend tho. You telling your story, actually helps me a lot. So thank you, honestly thank you both.
This Is the very first time I find this video and I'm so Happy. I have chronique anorexia too and anxiety, and with therapy I'm pretty much better... that voice in my head is still there XD, but Now I can recognize if my acts or thoughts are a product of ANA (that's how I refer to anorexia). But ANA IS more than no eating. I used to enjoy pain, darkness... I think that I tried to being suicide but so slowly and enjoy It... It's so difficult to explain It clearly, so sorry. But I'm so proud of your work and how you expose our beautiful souls. Thanks from Spain
She explains everything I just really want to sit down and talk with someone about this burden I carry...everyday I think about not eating or how much I am eating and when I eat normal...I exercise excessively...its always nothing stays because youll gain weight and look fat
I accomplished so much before this illness destroyed everything and you can never make up the losses. But to live in a state of regret is not a way to live so what? I WANT TO SCREAM "IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO CAN HELP ME BEAT THIS THING?"
This opened my eyes. I was a person who would say "just eat!" I am diagnosed with anxiety, OCD, depression, ptsd, and binge eating disorder. I always thought "oh she just wants to be skinny" and not considering the mental illness.