I was chatting with a friend recently about eating disorders. I confessed that I was bingeing and purgeing last winter when I was depressed and gained about 10 pounds. I was self-medicating with food. I would pig out and then I would feel so gross and fat I would throw it up. This went on through most of the winter but I managed to stop this behavior on my own as I made my way out of depression. Consequently, I lost that weight by doing what we are supposed to do: eat right and exercise.

I read that this has to do with self-esteem problems, but in my case it was depression. I am curious to hear from those who would like share their eating disorder story. How or why did it start? If you have recovered, how did you do it? Did you need professional help? Did family and friends play a role in helping you recover?

This isn't just for the women, as many men also silently suffer with eating disorders. For many athletes weight can easily become an obsession.

If you don't want to post with your screen name, you can PM me and I will post the responses. I am a person of integrity and will not share your story if you choose.
Maybe your story will encourage someone to reach out for help.