When I was in  the worst of my eating disorder, I didn’t know there were others out there.

I didn’t realize that I was not an exception.

I didn’t see that there were others struggling the same way, hurting the same way, thinking the same way.

I thought I was alone. So utterly, miserably alone.

My relatives thought it was just a phase, that I was just disciplined, moody and maybe even vain.

They thought I was seeking attention, wanting to be pitied, just playing a game.

Nobody realized that I was dying inside, yearning for love, help and freedom.

Nobody realized that this wasn’t a choice, a mood, a way of being the center of attention.

That’s why it’s important to talk about it.

That’s why it matters to spread the word.

To illuminate, educate, help save lives.

There’s too much silence, too much misunderstanding, too much shame.

Millions of people are suffering right now – girls and boys, young and old, cowering in pain.

They don’t see a way out, they don’t know how to cope. They face ridicule, misunderstanding, pity and anger every single day.

That’s why I participate in the NEDAwareness Week. That’s why it’s important to raise your voice.

So, talk about eating disorders. Spread the world. Help to challenge the misery that can so quickly take over somene’s world.

Learn how you can get involved at nedawareness.org