Nearly 2 out of 100 people will suffer from an eating disorder in their life. Women are 2 times more likely to suffer from an eating disorder than men. 1 in 10 men women and 1 in 20 men.

1 in 5 Anorexia Nervosa victims die by suicide. About 33–50% of people who are diagnosed with Anorexia have a form of depression, anxiety, etc. Trauma is also a main cause for eating disorders. Sports, media, poor self evaluation, are all causes of eating disorders.

In a world full of picture perfect, photo shop, and the 2% of perfect looks being flooded everywhere on our screens it’s hard for young minds, and even grown people to not pick themselves apart. We need to be conscious on what we are looking at, and the messages it sends to us. I was diagnosed with Anorexia at the age of 16. I went without help for about 1.5–2 years until my parents forced me into therapy after my close to death accident. I was on a mission trip with my youth group and I could feel my body shutting down from the inside out. My skin was sheet white, I couldn’t stand or move from weakness. I thought my body would never recover from that but I can tell you now, 6 years later, 1 year fully recovered, more than 50 pounds later, I still fight it every day.

I started being conscious of what I looked at and listened to. I filled my social media with women who want to be stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My self talk changed as well. Instead of picking myself apart I listed attributes that I found beautiful. A conscious decision to love yourself even when you’re having bad image days.

Eating disorders never completely go away. Our brains lean towards our habits in stressful situations, unknown areas, unhappy times. There are always ways to fight back and that’s the most important. Choosing to fight every day.

Statistics found on Eating Recovery Center