#ShareYourStory Part 2: Recovery IS possible - Eating Disorder Awareness

I had the amazing opportunity to become friends with a 21 year old, genuine, kind, beautiful, woman through the Miss America Organization. Through all of our pictures we post of our pageantry lives, college, and fun concerts, it looks like we live the life. But behind every rose, there are many thorns that we don’t allow the world to see. Through my last #ShareYourStory blog post, I shared my story on being a victim of bullying and suicide. Jacqueline wanted to share her story on her battle of Anorexia. She knew her story of battling the fears her eating disorder placed on her life and her recovery story had the power to change the lives of many, in fact - save their lives. Before I give away her story, scroll though and take a glimpse of what it felt like to live her life while battling these fears, this disorder, and how she recovered. You may even be able to relate…

Here are some statistics on Anorexia:

·      Anorexia has the highest fatality rate of any mental illness.

·      It is estimated that 4% of anorexic individuals die from complications of the disease.

·      Only one third of individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa in the United States obtain treatment.

Here are some general statistics on Eating Disorders:

·      Eating disorders are a daily struggle for 10 million females and 1 million males in the United States.

·      Four out of ten individuals have either personally experienced an eating disorder or know someone who has.

Signs & Symptoms of an Eating Disorder

A man or woman suffering from an eating disorder may reveal several signs and symptoms, some which are:

•     Chronic dieting despite being hazardously underweight

•     Constant weight fluctuations

•     Obsession with calories and fat contents of food

•     Engaging in ritualistic eating patterns, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, eating alone, and/or hiding food

•     Continued fixation with food, recipes, or cooking; the individual may cook intricate meals for others but refrain from partaking

•     Depression or lethargic stage

•     Avoidance of social functions, family and friends. May become isolated and withdrawn

•     Switching between periods of overeating and fasting

As you see, Jacqueline was lucky enough to have family members catch her illness early enough before they lost her. As you see, her mental illness started with her fear. Through her recovery with the National Eating Disorder Association and her family, she was able to acknowledge the fears in her life, and truly gain courage with all of her might to overcome them. If you see the signs of a loved one who may be battling an eating disorder, please reach out to get them help. Speak to them first, and if it does not go well, get their family involved. Having an eating disorder is a hard battle to fight, but with the right support and resources, you can overcome it. Whether it's an eating disorder you are battling, a chronic illness, being a victim of bullying, battling depression or fearing not being good enough... KNOW, God made you in His perfect image, do not let the lies of fear define you.

We all have a story to share. If you would like to be a part of our #ShareYourStory Campaign to make a change in lives forever, please contact thefearlessmovement@gmail.com

Please share this blog to save the lives of many. If you are battling an Eating Disorder today and are reading this, and you may not have a family or the right resources to get help, we are here to help you and so is the National Eating Disorder Association. Your conversations are kept confidential.

Please call NEDA at +1(888)-330-8773 for help. The life you may be saving, might just be your own.

         Praying for my readers always…

         Xoxo,

         Ashley Kulikowski

         Founder and CEO of Fearless Movement