Just Eat More | Gabriella Gurney | TEDxStLawrenceU

When we think of eating disorders, we think of a very select group as being the only ones affected. We have ideas in our minds about who gets them, and what it means to have one. Gabriella Gurney, a Senior at St. Lawrence University, breaks down some of the stereotypes and negative stigmas attached to eating disorders and mental health issues, and begins a conversation about how we can move forward and do more than advising those affected to "just eat more." Ella is a senior at St. Lawrence University double majoring in Conservation Biology and Performance Arts with a minor in African Studies. She is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, as well as Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society. She is a member of the St. Lawrence Track and Field Team and works in the Center for International and Intercultural Studies on campus. She studied abroad in Kenya in Spring '16 and has been in multiple dramatic productions on campus. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Theworldisbeautiful9]

When she said “going to bed hungry and looking forward to the morning so I could let myself eat again” I FELT THAT

[@hel2727]

That hit close to home for me, too...

[@sofiarasmussen9180]

Dee me rn :(

[@meido3113]

If this ain't me for the last 2 weeks after gaining a lot of weight 😩

[@illijill]

Me rn tbh

[@arnulfoacevedo8147]

I did feel that but then I just Throwed it up

[@cnrblog2660]

What people in this comment section seem to forget is that this is HER ted talk. This is HER experience. HER story. HER symptoms. She’s not speaking for anyone else but herself.

[@cnrblog2660]

Northeast Reaper right, or if they don’t it’s being “anti” something or another 🙄 not everything is about everyone. Everyone wants to fit into a category until that category is left out. Then they become even more important in their own mind because now they’re an “activist” for whining lol

[@bekybb8301]

True, but everybody that suffered from an ED and IS still suffering relate to her story

[@nekko_5675]

say it with me: “YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SKINNY/ UNDERWEIGHT TO HAVE AN EATING DISORDER.”

[@nedaradulovic6398]

LOUDER

[@kayleewalker1936]

I wish eating disorders didn’t exist and I wish I never had to deal wit it or anyone else.

[@alyismyname999]

Kaylee Walker I agree! I am recovering still after ten years and it's so hard but so worth it!

[@georgearmenian8297]

Kaylee Walker it only exist if you make it exist

[@chansonb6244]

@@georgearmenian8297 don't make comments about things that you obviously don't have a clue about, you are only embarrasing yourself with your ignorance

[@georgearmenian8297]

Chanson B it’s a mental issue, go to therapy.

[@milessharman8518]

Sammme

[@goodamy1]

please talk about bulimia and binge eating disorder.

[@Cookiecat01]

i agree, but since she had anorexia she can mainly just talk about her own experiences (especially when shes not expert). I'm sure they have talks about those illnesses too.

[@sydneymichelle404]

This talk is about Anorexia.

[@livwhitehead1569]

Pancake Elf why would an anorexic feel the need to do that

[@arnulfoacevedo8147]

@@livwhitehead1569 idk about pancake but eating disorders can prove other eating disorders like a person that doesn’t eat, might throw up when they actually eat, so they are annorxioc and bulimic, that’s my POV anyway

[@lunlun6951]

@@arnulfoacevedo8147 ana and bulimia might be both eds but they're different. bulimia is when you force yourself to purge what you eat, not all anorexics do that. and not everyone with bulimia restricts. sure there are some people with both eds, but one ed doesn't "prove" or lead to other eds

[@mittensmel7076]

I'm 36 and have an eating disorder. It's hard to find support when you're older with this.

[@jeanetteg83]

I know. I am 35.

[@aliciathurlow7847]

38 almost impossible ..... in recovery 4 years

[@hollygill1744]

My grandma was diagnosed when she was 60...

[@AngelicasRecovery]

I’m 24 and have 3 kids and no one takes me serious.

[@sammyhart8407]

Please check out EDucatingshanny here on KZbin :)

[@mayazoe538]

She didn’t even mention that you don’t have to be thin to have an eating disorder. I got diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa 2 weeks ago and I have never been close to underweight in my life.

[@juliakir3236]

Theatre Nerd Stay safe, I hope your recovery goes well, good luck!

[@elissa1471]

It's a mental illness! Not being underweight does not make your eating disorder less valid, I know people who aren't underweight but still very ill. Recovery is hard but worth it, if you need anyone to talk to I am in recovery myself. Stay strong and good luck!

[@NeonSugarCherries]

yes, yes, yes *not being underweight does not make your eating disorder less valid*

[@Yetaxa]

While I agree that you don't need to be underweight in many places having a bmi under 17.5 is a diagnostic criteria

[@odd7246]

No that's ednos because you're not underweight.

[@idksomethingnifty111]

3:00 im not saying that she shouldnt be allowed to mention her weight, however, in the ed community its a common theme that those who are masking themselves as 'recovered' feel the need to mention and bring attention to how little they weighed... its possible to talk about the struggle and the experience without having to bring in specific numbers because bringing up specific numbers has no positive effect, and it doesnt contribute to a positive conversation

[@ktkt8736]

I agree. For me, immediately I went to work out her bmi...and that's my fault but it's sadly so common amongst those in the ed community.

[@lemonoats6037]

kt kt I did too :(

[@tjguidry7753]

U prolly have weight issues 😂😂 😂

[@lizzie3670]

kt kt same here :/

[@eveh3306]

i immediately checked her bmi too :///

[@ss-yr7ec]

I am 14 and I can proudly say that I think I am recovering like I had a salad and some pasta YASSSS Edit: I am 15 years old and I'm a year clean now 😌

[@plant9288]

s s I’m so happy for you!!! How did you kickstart recovery

[@dollfamilyproductions4942]

That's great! I'm so happy for you, I hope you continue to recover.❤

[@indi5040]

So proud of you

[@glitterpieag1668]

s s congratulations! I’m so proud of you!

[@christina286]

s s congrats 💘

[@courtneyfraser6549]

saying your weight is not helpful at all- and adds to the stigma that people have to be scarily underweight to have an eating disorder.

[@Cookiecat01]

I think she said that mainly to make people think, how bad the state is. Since she made clear that not only one certain type of people can be affected by anorexia.

[@vanleigh6796]

Exactly. She spent the whole talk discussing breaking stigmas and all she really focused on were certain stigmas associated with anorexia which is only one of several ED's.

[@Lauren-hs5ht]

This is a TED talk, meant for educational purposes. She did it to make her point of how bad it got to a room who might not know better.

[@konstantinaroussopoulou1366]

@Ryley Posey Thank you for sharing and also congratulations that's the whole point of the video.

[@DMMeow]

it's also incredibly triggering to others with eds and anyone "actively working" on their recovery should know this...I wish she would have been more sensitive to this

[@andreaalberdi4469]

I hate the fact that in every ted talk about eating disorders they present their experience as "Oh, I just happened to have anorexia" "I didn't know it until they mention some sintoms in some random class so I went n told my mom". Like it's that simple? And what about bulimia? I've been struggling with eating disorders for pretty much my whole life and I can't relate to any of the talks

[@mette1983]

Andrea Alberdi Totally agree with u!

[@elysian404]

same! "went and told my mom I think I have an eating disorder" ? like I think most people with an ed do know they have one, they might not just have admitted it to themselves

[@mette1983]

localblurryface You’re so right👍🏻

[@ameschook]

localblurryface actually no, many don’t. It’s called anosognosia and it is extremely common in mental illnesses. Your brain changes and you become completely unable to see that you are unwell- it is one of the reasons that anorexia is so difficult to treat.

[@ameschook]

Ulo Hun for sure :) My experience has been similar to this woman’s in that I had to fight for insight into what was happening. I lived in some kind of auto pilot state and was completely unaware of my behaviours. But for sure, I agree with you- once I’d received help to gain awareness I struggled big time; 1st to accept a diagnosis and 2nd to try and let go it.

[@mikinonono98]

"Who do you think of when you hear the term eating disorder?" Me

[@olyanaioannidou8526]

I thought the same thing lol

[@margotboyd3314]

lmao same

[@kateelise7762]

lol exactly what i thought

[@helloitsmezappa9054]

I don’t like how she talks about this. I have an eating disorder and im in recovery now. She is saying so much things that are a stigma with eating disorders. My god it’s not like this for most people. Its not about weight at all, its a lot deeper. Please know that its not how much you weight, its mental not fysical, it doesn’t come from anxiety for most people.

[@sinmathw3202]

Hey, I'm sorry to bother but could you tell me how to help a friend with anorexia..? Or how would you like to be helped?

[@Andreamedrano11]

at the beginning she said "it's not just about being thin, it's a lot more than that" so.... also this is her experience, she doesn't have to represent you and what you do, she's talking about HER experience, "the I learned my anorexia was attached to my anxiety" she doesn't mention that's how YOU feel. I really relate to her experience, and it actually does come from anxiety most times. Anorexia is oftentimes considered to be a manifestation of OCD, and OCD is basically ALLLLL anxiety. Listen from 7min to the end

[@theanimator4894]

This is HER talk, she's just talking about HER experience, she isn't saying it's that way for everybody. I know this is old but still

[@underthestarsoverthemoon4259]

It’s not just about anorexia either. We “normal weight range” girls/women are suffering as well. I am a normal healthy weight but I have anorexia, binge eating disorder and bulimia.

[@ayajones6069]

But I truly hope that you'll be able to recover one day. Easier said than done, I know.

[@crywank9410]

You can't have every type of eating disorder at once. Maybe the word to describe what you're going through is EDNOS

[@Yuro-fv4zf]

How do you possibly have three eating disorders and are a normal healthy weight?

[@izzydandrea7548]

You have balimia. anorexia is characterized by being severely under weight while bulimia is average weight and even over weight. Binging is a symptom of bulimia. So you just have bulimia

[@galacticnarwhal1030]

yeah my weight is constantly changing, I decided to eat, then I relapse then I eat again, then i relapse. I’ve never been underweight I’ve just gone in and out of starving jdkskso

[@StateofBalance]

Gabriella, thank you so much for your bravery in coming out and hitting so many important points regarding this topic. I am a therapist that treats Eating Disorders, and it is very scary to see the misinformation that is pumped into our society as well as the lack of education about the reality of Eating Disorders. I have been going out to local schools and libraries and presenting on this very topic, confronting the myths and stereotypes of Eating Disorders and the culture that perpetuates it. You message is so important and so much appreciated. Congratulations on how far you’ve come and good luck continuing in your recovery!

[@maddyluvsall6700]

you don't have to be deathly skinny in order to have anorexia or any eating disorder. It's the symptoms, tendencies, and thoughts you have that determine whether you have one or not. I'm 5'4" and 120 lbs, which is a healthy weight for someone of my height. But I constantly compare myself, I always fast, and I always try to cut as many calories as I can. I try to work out as much as possible and I'm constantly feeling light-headed and dizzy. I'm a healthy weight and I look healthy. But I still have anorexia.

[@GlitterGum]

How would all of that not cause weight loss though?

[@incik6041]

I've been binging for 3 hours and after watched this and readed comments, I will not purge and I'll study & do some excercises to make me feel better for my bloated stomach. Thanx to everyone ^-^

[@shilohsmith711]

i’m proud of ya girly 💘

[@kirstieb8025]

but are you addicted to exercise?

[@katiegoldense7372]

I just came across this video, and Gabriella Gurney is amazing. For me, at 31 years old, it's been hard to navigate my personal journey and disorder, as it has been an up and down for many years. Finding this video is extremely helpful, and brings a lot to light, even to someone who experiences this on the daily.

[@AndiSchneider]

I’ve been in recovery for 11yrs, now I speak to young women abs girls about eating disorders and body image. I think it is very important that they don’t focus just on skinny, so many don’t go to treatment because they feel like they aren’t the stereotypical anorexic, thus don’t need treatment. It’s not about the weight, and we have to stop making it the focus. Yes, weight stabilization is important, but you have to deal with why you starve, purge, or binge. I’ve been force fed in the hospital with a tube, it didn’t fix me, they had to get my nutrition stable so I could think straight. There’s still not enough being done for eating disorders, treatment is still very difficult to get insurance coverage. I admire her talk, I just wish she addressed eating disorders as a whole and not focusing on anorexia and thinness

[@Schoeben7925]

Yeah we need more of the older veterans to come on here and help the younger girls become aware of the aftermaths. I am 33 now and deal with Gastroparesis due to an ongoing eating disorder I’ve had since I was 10.

[@rat-chan]

Do you have an instagram? I have an online friend and I don’t know how to help them. She’s thinking of suicide, but I don’t have the experience to know how to talk about this topic to her. I’m desperate for help, if you have an instagram i’d like to give you hers so she can get some kind of help from someone who knows what they’re doing..

[@nicoparisi8036]

I went to High School w her... this is surreal to see.

[@katiehowe3764]

We stan bc she feels comfortable about talking about menstruation👌

[@gillevran7484]

Anorexia doesn’t always come from anxiety I don’t agree with that.. It can cause by a lot of things and for any person it’s different..

[@TB-dg3jw]

Gil Levran She didn’t say that it always comes from that but that’s what can cause it it did for me

[@dahdream6044]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[@lilyrosed.3660]

I struggle with it, and I believe it came mostly from anxiety.

[@gillevran7484]

Lily Rose D. Maybe for you not for everyone don’t include everyone or most..

[@Emmastyles729]

A lot of the time it’s deepest cause is anxieties from the pressures of society and culture around people. As someone who has dealt with an eating disorder for about 7 years now, I can definitely say that stress/anxiety makes my recovery harder, and in times of stress I do find myself slipping back into my old ways.

[@cherie3000]

I never knew i had an eating disorder until I was in my 40s, it started in high school. It had nothing to do with weight for me. It was anxiety about food. It never goes away, it's always in my mind. Now I am 48 and im gaining weight from age and menopause, and it terrifies me.

[@lynncrf]

Yep. I used to have an ED too and the weight gain in my 40s is terrifying to me too.

[@Geniusidekick]

She's interchanging "eating disorder" and "anorexia" as if they're the same and they're not. There's nothing wrong with doing a whole Ted talk on anorexia, but it's important that you don't use anorexia symptoms and signs as blanket statements for ALL eating disorders. That's dangerously misinformed, can perpetuate stigmas that people with other ED face, and damage someone's understanding an eating disorder. I think consulting should have gone into this, I hope people who see this or saw it continue to further education elsewhere (or at least understand she is speaking for strictly anorexia nervosa)

[@Lala.28]

I imagine how her mom must feel for not noticing before :(

[@dawnbarber7980]

Thank you for presenting this talk- your strength and courage is sincerely life changing for so many. Best wishes for you and all that are enduring this horrible and challenging condition.

[@dutchik5107]

Just like to point out. Not every vegatarian which isnt for ethical reasons. Even specifically for dietary reasons doesnt mean eating dissorder.

[@jjes181]

It's one of the signs to watch for. Changing your diet.

[@heythere8318]

the fact that she was able to tell her mom that she had one... i wouldn’t have if my psychiatrist didn’t figure it out so i could continue

[@hannahmorgan7213]

Ella you are beautiful and such an inspiration, i love this talk, it is helping me so much. I am recovering but I'm very depressed and it is putting a lot of stress on my family right now. Thank you for giving me a pep talk without needing to worry my family

[@hannaht1976]

this is just her personal experience, it doesn't account for everyone and I don't think she ever claimed that it is the same way for every single person

[@sk0kiE]

Thank you Gabriella. I'm a guy and I was 15 when I was diagnosed with an eating dissorder after trying to take my own life. Thank you for being so open and not saying the same thing everybody else says.

[@nataliefindley7071]

How are you doing now? :)

[@sk0kiE]

@@nataliefindley7071 I'm 18 now and doing a lot better. Still on the road to recovery and still have to get weighed every week. But lifes a lot better than it was!

[@briana725]

how can she say that eating disorders aren't ever about one's body image? for some it IS that whether it is at first or later down the road. she shouldn't have overgeneralized like that. edit: at 7:24 she says "real people" so let me get this straight, us who have EDs aren't valid if they string from body image issues? awesome.

[@1273s]

eds can stem from depression and other mental illnesses not just anxiety

[@jaclynm7122]

I'm not a fan of this talk. First of all, anorexia does NOT always stem from anxiety. She seemed to equivocate the two, and it just doesn't work that way. Also, you don't have to be thin to have an eating disorder. She seemed uneducated on a lot of what she was presenting, solely using examples of her own experience.

[@nadjak3410]

She says right in the beginning "you don't have to look skinny to have an eating disorder"

[@christina286]

Jaclyn and it’s not always about being “thin”

[@kawinamartinamanamanamnaa8131]

Then don't listen to it anymore. .-.

[@Dancemom-hw2jt]

She’s not claiming to be an expert. Just sharing her experience. Calm down!!!

[@elizabethmccoy2749]

I agree with you.. it kind of feels like shes just talking about herself and her particular experience and not about anorexia as a whole

[@Lily-jm4wg]

“docu...men...tairy”?

[@micheller.6245]

Seriously?

[@mimiabdo7159]

I dont get it?

[@irenecvietkovich1830]

Umm what?

[@AngelicasRecovery]

I’m 24 and have 3 kids and no one takes me serious.

[@winfrank1]

Thanks for the talk great job your very brave to stand up and talk about a very hard subject.

[@ali-wp5pu]

she was stepping off the circle constantly, it bothered me lol

[@user-ki6ke6ur4i]

ali thank u for making me notice...now it's driving me crazy lol

[@betsyh3544]

Tru!

[@GirlsDoPhilosophy]

ali burning calories

[@Aurelia2147]

She seemed nervous but it’s understandable. This is a very raw topic to talk about

[@galacticnarwhal1030]

YEAH

[@ionealena6300]

this,,,, makes me really uncomfortable. just the way she talks about it like its nothing

[@multifandomtrashh8169]

Ikr like how is she so comfortable with it

[@sattheer1493]

Maybe she’s not a public speaker... she’s under a lot of pressure up there

[@chloemae2932]

Its really fake.

[@Lauren-hs5ht]

Yeah, because she lives with it. That’s how disorders work.

[@atheaoll]

She's speaking out. It needs to be done by somebody.

[@MaddieFishblob]

0:55 My dad’s a doctor and he had an elderly patient that was only around 80 lbs! She didn’t put on weight over time but she was unhealthily thin. My dad said that _if she was a teenage girl_ she would’ve definitely be hospitalized and treated already. But her family had overlooked it all because of her age So yea, unhealthy eating behaviors & EDs really can develop at any age. Most people just don’t know to look

[@annabelle7969]

Thank you for this video i think it is very important to create awareness on this topic. i wish I had realized earlier that I had an Eating Disorder (cause I was showing signs for a long time before I realized) but I didn't have the means to know :/

[@mayluv6754]

This's so triggering for me as much as I want to watch it, I can't...

[@k4rito]

same

[@jessicaarias5445]

Why

[@violentends]

Then don’t watch it

[@Kitty4u]

I got wheel chaired to the nurse in 8th grade and that's what made me realize I had a problem. 7 years later and I still struggle but at least I know there is something wrong.

[@irmafouche3735]

Had been battling anorexia for 7 years. Got healthy for 1 year and now in a total relapse. I hope that you can find healing and keep it because it feels worse if you relapse and people leave you easier.

[@mrtlsk1687]

all the best for you and - THANK YOU

[@carina4131]

(Gonna be a long comment I bet no one will read this but whatever) I’ve always been the child who could eat the most. A whole pizza, 3 burgers, bunches of French Fries but I was happy with it until I was like 11 years old. I started working out but still eating normal. In may-April 18 it started getting worse... since 3 years I’ve been the girl who eats healthier, the one who worked out, the girl who diets at such a young age. Now it’s November 2018 and I KNOW that I have an eating disorder but idk what to do! I don’t want to gain ik it ruins me I have anxiety and I’m crying so much! The thing is just no one else notices it! No one says I look skinny, no one says „hey u should eat more“ everyone is just like „wow she eats so healthy how does she do this“ Idk what to do

[@reem4570]

Omg same I literally struggle with this , I want to reach my goal weight!

[@amandinecaille308]

Girls please contact professionnals for help. Because talks are good but actions better.

[@oliviachesla9508]

Literally just described me. But trust me you will find it in you. For me, though I still struggle, there was a point where I realized that nourishment is more important than size.

[@EchoBlossom]

Seeing a therapist is the best way to help you. It may even be the only way. It seems to me like you've lost control. A therapist would teach you how to regain control, how to use it, and how to keep it.

[@e.wilson9613]

@@EchoBlossom Bless you.

[@shindialogue6068]

I’m also eating disorder. I have had it for more than 7 years, which deprives me of something important in my life

[@AdamIsMyNameO]

This is great, but 5'11" and 115lb is still medically underweight by a large margin.... :o/

[@cheersdarlin1516]

Adam Waddington she is still in recovery

[@kiss4strawberry]

BMI means nothing if you're healthy

[@AdamIsMyNameO]

ok?

[@keelysiglet1746]

Adam Waddington yeah it is really underweight but she’s working on getting better and she’s not that weight anymore

[@jorgemunoz4986]

kiss4strawberry that’s soo not true

[@betsyh3544]

The way she says documentary bothers me

[@dalerenaud2118]

Really, that’s what you got from this?

[@betsyh3544]

I have seen a lot of Ted talks, and a lot of media on eating disorders. I didn't particularly care for her talk. It was a little too "speech at a middle school" for me to enjoy and most of what she covered wasn't incredibly unique to her talk. With the understanding that public speaking is challenging and not for everyone, had she presented her talk with more skill it would have been a more effective presentation.

[@mtinsfsd]

she did well

[@kristenbradley7040]

Great talk. Thank you for having the confidence to speak about these important topics to try to get more help and awareness for people all over the world with eating disorders.

[@itsmih2411]

I can really understand the critics about this Ted talk and I agree to the most points in the comment here too. I have been suffering from eating disorders and my experiences are different to hers too. But I just wanted to point out that I am proud of her for telling her story. Everyone has different experiences and her talk is only her point of view, which is valid and okay. She only had 10 minutes, so she is not able to cover everything about this huge topic, it is not possible to adress every single stigma, point of view and all of the variety included in this topic so I just wanted to say that even if this talk wasn't perfect or professional - complete - whatever, I am proud of her and thankful that she stood up and made this talk♥️

[@rayanm2017]

I had an eating disorder and I’m 12 I almost died,I couldn’t run because i didn’t have energy I lost about 17 kilograms and I became 72 or 75 pounds 32 kilograms I am recovers now and am 42 kilograms please don’t develop eating disorders

[@minnah.k]

Rayan M Woah... 😥 how many calories were you consuming in a day to lose THAT much? Yikes... But I’m glad you’re doing better now. 💕

[@kerstinnilsson9968]

You say “please don’t develop eating disorders” as if it’s a choice people make

[@val-qw3bl]

Kerstin Nilsson yeah i agree

[@carriehebbelinck8188]

I’m 51 and have struggled since I was 9 years old .. NEVER a body issue problem, I choked really bad on steak when I was little and stopped eating ... hospitalized hit better and struggling everyday with the mental stuff ...

[@afterlifexzero1724]

omg her voice is so soothing

[@jaishankarravindran2242]

Thanks for your positive conversation ela.

[@PiaRxxxx]

I can't "feel" the talk ... :/

[@thursdva1i]

What’s so weird is that when I was around 15 and looking for treatment, it was so difficult to find someone who would actually treat adolescent eating disorders. Especially in Houston, where our medical district is so world renowned- it seems odd that an age group that is most stereotypically affected with eating disorder was so difficult to find people who would treat my age group.

[@Unknown12185]

LEAVE ELLA ALONE SHE IS AMAZING I LOVED THIS SPEECH ❤️

[@morgfw]

the lack of people in the chairs makes this sad

[@sickmademusic4life783]

Beautiful said.

[@pinkhairedgirlwhomakesedit2404]

I'm very glad she is talking about this and that she feels recovered. Recovery is hard and sharing in detail accounts is even harder. I am immensely proud, but I could not watch this. I am so sorry but as soon as she mentioned her height and weight I felt my instincts kick in to compare it to mine. Then I broke down crying. I wouldn't consider myself recovered, but I do think I've made improvements. Watching this made me want to quit. I'm not trying to put her down. I know that its hard to share stories and she had good intentions. Most likely someone in that audience is dealing with a similar struggle and could benefit from this, but I really wish when going in depth that speakers do not say their height or weight. It is extremely triggering and toxic for individuals who have previously suffered or are suffering. Also this completely ignores non-specified eating disorders and bulimia as a whole. This video can be helpful, just it only paints half of the picture.

[@gregdahlen4375]

It seems to me she should say her height and weight if she wants to, it's kind of on the listener to cope with it

[@ashleymorgan1821]

3:42-4:15 this describes every day for me

[@user-zm3wd1sb5s]

Well I'm scared to talk about it

[@tarat_5413]

The amount of time people tell me to “eat more” is ridiculous. Yes I’m skinny and yes I’m fit but I don’t have an eating disorder. They think that because you’re skinny you have an eating disorder. People shouldn’t be judging me or other because there’re skinny. I do eat a lot and sometimes an excessive amount which isn’t exactly great for me but I stay skinny. And since I’m skinny I get made fun of because “I’m weak” or “I’m anorexic” which isn’t fair. I just think that people should be excepted for who they are, skinny or overweight and that these stereotypes made about skinny people aren’t what people think is true because it’s not. I’m sorry for the rant but this stuff just makes me really mad sometimes

[@TruptiJagtap]

Same here

[@SuvuIC]

I also have a couple of friends who often gets told to “eat more”, even though they are healthy and eat healthy amounts and/or too much

[@a.k7889]

I used to be like that! I was a 'late developer' so in high school I grew like I boy going through puberty and turned into a stick figure. I remember when I was 15 and getting help for depression, one time spending a whole hour trying to convince the school psychologist that I did NOT have an eating disorder and that I was just naturally thin! Ironically, at the age of 17 I developed anorexia. Even more strange was the fact that (thanks to recovery stints after hospital admissions) I was STILL GROWING and gained 2cm at some point from the age of 18-20! A more accurate indication of whether I'm underweight or not is how my face looked. At the age of 29 I can no longer weigh the same I did at the age of 17 and look healthy, whereas back then I still did. Basically, even though I'm still anorexic I COMPLETELY understand your struggles and feel your pain, because I went through the same mis-judgements by so many people!

[@heh4389]

tarat_5 ! boohoo poor skinny girl :(

[@ally6721]

@@heh4389 ... Why though

[@Lauren-hs5ht]

She never claimed this was representative of everyone. Calm down.

[@christienbbrooks7334]

Awesome video thank you for sharing your story !

[@marianoceanblue1795]

I often feel bad if I crave for a snack if I didn’t spent the energy needed to eat (like doing sports)

[@britt07cheer]

This is amazing!

[@gracematulovic]

In October 2017 I went skiing with my dad and siblings for the weekend. My dad noticed that I was eating next to nothing and had to stop every run for a break. When we got home my dad told my mum and she watched me for a day. Se noticed the same things as my dad. I was diagnosed later that month my heart rate was dangerously low but somehow managed to stay out of hospital. I denied that I had any problem wth food. I got an emergency appointment and my local camhs they said my parents needed to start me on family based therapy immediately. By now I was only drinking water and eating ice. I had so many struggles at meals and I refused and refused and refused. My parents realised that this wasn’t working and I continued to down the rabbit hole. This is when they took my to a private therapist. I hated her so much but knowing that my parents were paying good money I forced myself to sit through the appointments. The next year I was going to a new high school and I didn’t know anyone. By now I was weight restored, I asked my mum and therapist if I could eat lunches at school on my own instead of having to meet my mum do that she could supervise me. They agreed as long as I maintained my weight. I have had anxiety my whole life but being at a new school that was so much bigger than my old school. My anxiety got so much worse. The voices in my head got stronger again. I negotiated all my meals and when I took my lunch to school I would give it away to my friends. My parents and therapist started noticing that I was loosing weight. I eventually came clean about giving away my lunch and “eating” my breakfast before my mum got up. I started fasting again. When my mum finally got me to eat something my body couldn’t take it and I threw it up “not induced” my parents decided to take me to the hospital they decided that I needed to be admitted and tube fed. I was in the hospital for weeks. Going home was a struggle I refused many meals. I managed to get back on track. Since I had been in the hospital they move me to the regional eating disorder services where I got a new therapist. And made progress and got weight restored again. I had another lapse and got put into hospital for a 24 hour feed. I am currently in another relapse u have lost a massive amount of weight and been threatened with being admitted.

[@nataliefindley7071]

Grace Anne Oh dear!! Your story touched me... How are you doing now???

[@gregdahlen4375]

I don't know how someone can get so underweight cuz for me it's physically painful to be underweight and I hate pain lol

[@nabeelhakeem3593]

I also weigh just 48kg and I am about to be 23.

[@lilycorry3088]

I was 14 when I got diagnosed with anorexia and it annoys me that everyone thinks you have to be well in your teens to struggle with this.

[@makaylawoll672]

Her talking about cross-country really hit me hard because that's exactly what I did and I got to the point where I did pass out after every practice and my senior year of high school I wasn't able to do cross country because of it

[@lolaford7200]

Same here! But I'm a sophomore and the only problems I've had was just a hip injury. Other than that, my performance was great because I was so thin.

[@EmmaGuerena]

kinda glamorizing it idk

[@Tmcsinger91]

I’ve struggled with anorexia since I was 15 also there was some bulimia in there too I’m 28 now and it’s still an everyday battle this was a great ted talk I also did cross country and track too !

[@tezeth_1385]

Tierney Caulfield I’m so sorry!

[@Tmcsinger91]

Thanks 😊

[@Amanda-vy2mw]

I think she is too early in recovery to be doing this talk.

[@ditchedmydiet3786]

Amanda Wells agreed!

[@morganconner6554]

Well no. I think anyone in any part if recovery should be able to talk. It's something they have gone through and are recovering from it's not okay to say what time in recovery your allowed to talk about it

[@liamina3563]

I'm sure she know more than you about her own feelings.

[@theanimator4894]

That's not true. Part of recovery is being able to talk about it and being able to be open about it, so I think it's perfectly good for her to be doing this talk so early on in recovery

[@2peacegrrrl2]

Its often a family issue and not really about food. My mother has major eating issues but that’s just part of the problem. Thankfully I am an exercise addict sometimes, but I love food and eating healthy vegetarian foods. I don’t count calories. That’s just stressful!

[@yamaokka]

Well being vegeterian doesnt mean that you are going to cut more calories from your diet

[@jenniferrachels3561]

Running Track is a trigger. Watch your kids when they start.

[@lovekookie4ever661]

Me: Mom I have an eating disorder Mom: wtf is that? just eat more

[@janellejohnson5694]

I’m not sure what I had was an eating disorder or not but since the 4th grade until 10th grade I would skip eating at lunch due to how picky I was and felt like throwing up. The reason I also skipped lunch was also because I wanted to loose weight and because of how extremely picky of the food , instead I had a high risk of getting an ulcer. My mom and sister later found out and tried making sure I ate during lunch on and off for two years.

[@jasminesolano822]

My anxiety gives me the same issue ! Made me afraid too swallow my food I was too anxious too eat

[@danielannan2174]

very helpful

[@hauntingwords]

i struggle with both alcohol and an eating disorder i thought i was the only one.

[@sophia-nj1nm]

this can really trigger binge eaters lol

[@oceaniidol]

sophia bro i was b/p(ing) while watching this lmaoo

[@user-hp9eg3gf6s]

i cut unhealthy foods from my diet and i think everyone should do it ! there are a lot of calorific foods that are also healthy and tasty and can be part of a well balanced diet like whole grains, nut and seed butters, olive oil, meet , cheese, eggs, fish, legumes, etc etc Nothing good can come from ultra processed foods (even 0 cal diet cola, as it is not about calories, it is about health). The point is to eat healthy most of the time, if you happen to eat something bad no big deal, no reason for guilt or anything, just get back on track !

[@A-ysha]

Im crying

[@opiatecords]

I was 5’4ish and 99lbs when I was 17 and I’m 19 5’4 and 138lbs I’m much healthier now :)

[@Schoeben7925]

Numbers are NO NO’s in this community mmmmk just don’t do it we don’t need to be comparing weights and heights in here

[@nabeelhakeem3593]

How did it happen?

[@lailanicole3227]

this sounds really rude of me but i feel like from what shes making it sound like, her experience was a lot breezier than most people's

[@sherim1262]

It’s so sad how judgmental many of these comments are, she was very brave to get out there and tell HER story. ...And by the way, that is the point it is HER story. I am sure that she has helped many by telling it. Negative people are the reason why MANY people keep silent about their serious issues.

[@FluffySparklekins]

3rd Ted talk I've watched on anorexia. Being someone who has been on both sides of the spectrum, a healthy weight at 5'5" 140 pounds, to 98 pounds; I lied on my driver's license and at least put 105. 21 year old that has the body of a child. I knew my anorexia came when I was so depressed my body would NOT allow me to eat. The first night it happened I was eating my favorite Subway sandwich, mouth started getting all watery like right before regurgitation, then no more than 2 bites in I ran outside to throw it up because my BODY did not want to eat. I agree anorexia is not a choice, but not everyone has it over obsession to be small, some are just DEEPLY depressed.

[@nicholasburch2122]

this woman is so beautiful and has such great energy

[@sabinav.6127]

I became a vegetarian but not because of ethical reasons, I did it to cut more foods from my diet." This hits hard. I became a vegan for that very reason.

[@Scott21]

I am trying to lose weight and honestly it is like a person constantly pestoring me about my figure. I have cut down to a single meal a day with a large calorie deficit and only water for my diet. Somedays I still gain weight and honestly those days are the worst, because it feels like I don't have any control even over myself. This leads to every meal feeling like what is the point I am just going to gain weight. I am now taking even more drastic measures by reducing the calories even more and hoping it will help. I have lost 25 pounds so far and am in the fitness range for my bmi but my hips are still where they were originally. It looks like nothing changes. It truly is exhausting.

[@SLAVRBLX123]

i feel that I'm the skinniest person in school

[@hollandstan8729]

Hey, if you think you may have an eating disorder don't be embarrassed or afraid to talk to someone who can help you. I may have never met you but I love you and you deserve to eat, and live a happy healthy life so please, please! Talk to someone

[@nicolromanivna07]

I literally have almost her same story. I am 20 and had anorexia since 15. The lowest weight was 105. It sucks to to have one! You want to get better but its scary. It took awhile for me to be honest about mine! So cool her story!

[@yessicagarcia6567]

Nicol Romanivna I am 17 years old and I weight 104 pounds

[@kirstieb8025]

what’s your trauma?

[@sunnyshinegacha8856]

Honestly I've had my eating disorder for... Idk about a year now... And I have Anorexia but I'm really really overweight like 70-90 pounds overweight...

[@leannerasmussen2533]

I have known many people who obsess over what they eat. I believe food is taking the place of religion in society. We need control and safety and will listen to any quack on facebook, or youtube telling us what, how and when we should eat. I was taught to cook from scratch as often as possible, balance my diet and moderation. Simple. I feel deeply for those who suffer with eating disorders and hope they have the strength to recover and find self love.

[@nadjak3410]

It's also the first time in the history of mankind that food of all kinds is available anywhere and anytime. People will automatically try to control that and manipulate themselves.

[@enelim13]

very good

[@sarahburstein7601]

This hit. Hard.

[@imiexo5424]

am i the only person who doesn't associate "having control" with my eating disorder? like I'm physically scared of the food incase it makes me sick, and I relate more to the "who am i without my eating disorder" sorta thing.... idk just a thought i wonder if there's other people who don't do it for the control. if anything, i feel OUT of control with my eating disorder cause u cant control mental illness

[@caityhill6848]

this was posted on my b day

[@ellaprukop764]

Yup. My name is Ella.

[@ellasoldano7086]

Same