For those of us battling eating disorders, though, whether it presents through restriction of food, through purging and laxative abuse, through overexercising, or through over-eating, the true battle is silencing the part of us that keeps our true selves silent, the part of us that is at war with our healthy self, the part of us that is this heart-breaking disease.

This site is written from my perspective on my path to recovery from anorexia and bulimia, and many other self-destructive, self-punishing mental illnesses. I write from an active place on that path, from a place where I am still fighting my battles to silence my disease. But with my story comes tremendous stories of inspiration and hope from those I have met along my journey and from people just like you. These incredible stories and experiences have proven that recovery is possible, and that beating this disease is a real possibility.

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that have claimed far too many beautiful lives. While they may appear to be about food, weight, exercise, vanity, and body image, they are much more than that. For many, or at least for myself, it has been about silence.

It is my hope that, by sharing my experiences, I can instill some hope in those along their own path, offer resources to those who are ready for help, and spread information to educate our friends, family, loved ones, and others who believe that this is "a diet" or "about food."

To help those trying to understand eating disorders, the pages discussing the different types of eating disorders and the causes of eating disorders are great places to start.

Ultimately, I am here to break the silence and the secrecy, to teach those who know very little about serious mental illnesses like anorexia and bulimia some basic eating disorder facts, to "tell on" ED symptoms and behaviors in an effort to help friends, parents, and extended family know more about how to help their loved one who is struggling.

I am here, fighting my battle, shining a light, and offering to hold your hand as you fight your battle with