She Strengthens

Breaking the Cycle of Disordered Eating

A Personal Struggle

As I stared at my diagnostic results, I was forced to confront the harsh reality of my eating disorder’s return. The once-familiar feelings of denial and self-destruction crept back in, masquerading as a coping mechanism for my financial struggles. At 22, I was supposed to be in my prime, but instead, I was stuck in a vicious cycle of disordered eating and restrictive behaviors.

A Lifelong Battle

I thought I had overcome my Anorexia Nervosa after my first battle at 15. But the truth is, it’s a chronic condition that requires constant vigilance. The satisfaction I derived from controlling my food intake was a temporary high, but it came at a devastating cost. I was trapped in a never-ending cycle of self-destruction, fueled by my desire for control and perfection.

The Financial Factor

As I navigated the challenges of adulthood, financial stress became a significant trigger for my disordered eating. The constant worry about making ends meet, paying rent, and affording basic necessities like food took a toll on my mental health. I rationalized my restrictive eating as a practical solution to my financial woes, convincing myself that I was saving money by not buying groceries. But deep down, I knew I was lying to myself.

The Hidden Link

Research has consistently shown a correlation between financial hardship and mental health disorders. It’s time to acknowledge that our financial struggles can have serious health consequences. We need to address the elephant in the room and recognize that ignoring money problems won’t make them disappear.

Taking Responsibility

I realized that I couldn’t blame my circumstances forever. I had to take ownership of my health and well-being. It’s not enough to raise awareness about mental health; we need to provide people with the tools and skills to prioritize their health in practical ways. By doing so, we can empower individuals to break free from the cycle of disordered eating and other mental health issues.

Finding Sustainable Solutions

I learned the hard way that starving myself to save money was not a sustainable solution. Instead, I had to find healthier ways to cope with my anxiety and financial stress. It’s time for us to rethink our approach to mental health and focus on providing people with the skills and resources they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. By doing so, we can create a society that values health and well-being over temporary fixes and quick solutions.