Bottom line– it’s time we change the way we think about mental health. 1 in 5 Americans experiences mental illness in a given year. That’s 20% of society, y’all, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m one of them. In fact, you can actually read my personal story here. I genuinely hope my decade-long journey will inspire fellow ED warriors to get the help they need and the support they deserve.

In case you (or someone you know) start experiencing disordered eating thoughts, there is always help. There is always somebody who will listen. Mental illness isn’t a choice; it’s a disease. Just like a physical disorder, you seek treatment to mitigate the pain and make yourself better. If you or someone you know is suffering from one of the many colors of mental illness, please reach out and explore some of the resources I personally utilized during my journey to eating disorder recovery–

Eating Disorder Awareness Resources

1.  National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)- They’re pretty much the leading organization in the ED recovery realm (they organize walks, fundraisers, and a variety of community events), and they have a wonderful confidential helpline.

2. Eating Disorders Anonymous– Eating Disorders Anonymous is a Twelve-Step fellowship of individuals who hope to help one another recover from their eating disorders. Find eating disorder awareness meetings near you here.

3. Project Heal– The Project HEAL helps provide treatment grants for applicants who need and/or can’t afford quality care. Here’s a link to the application page. They also have a few in-person support groups, as well. 

4. Recovery Warriors– Find treatment centers and support groups here.

5. Eating Disorder Hope– Eating Disorder Hope can help you find treatment centers, coaching, and support groups. They also have a great blog and recommend a lot of wonderful recovery books. 

6. The Alliance for Eating Disorders– The Alliance for Eating Disorders provides programs and activities aimed at outreach, education, and early intervention of eating disorders. Find an in-person support group here. 

7. Eating Disorders Coalition– These guys are less of a support group and more of an action-oriented political organization. They’re focused on making eating disorder awareness a public health priority and offer a lot of great activities and events for meeting fellow ED recovery advocates in the community. 

8. Recovery.org– They’re a wonderful resource for finding treatment centers and recovery programs for coexisting conditions. You can reach their helpline at 1-855-399-9032. You can also submit a contact form here.

9. Stamp Out Stigma– Stamp out Stigma is more of a general mental health awareness organization, but they’re doing amazing work in the community. They list all of their mental health partners and resources for suicide prevention, addiction, etc. here. 

10. Action for Happiness– Finding happiness in ED recovery can be tough, so Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society. If you’re in the UK, you can also find a nearby Action for Happiness meet-ups here.