Kerry Washington Instagram – 📸: 1990 #TBT
The girl in this picture is 13-year-old Kerry. I was just entering puberty and about to start high school. Although I was smiling big for the camera, on the inside, I was flailing because I was struggling to see—what is so obvious to me now—how beautiful that young girl was, both inside and out! At the time, my eating disorder was just blooming. My need for “perfection” was beginning to cause enormous emotional pain. And with time, I would be plagued by an eating disorder involving physical and mental struggles that were out of my control, unsustainable, unhealthy, and unimaginably lonely.
Years later, in college, I finally reached out for help. I went into therapy for the first time – both individual and group treatment – and began a healing journey that saved my life.
Why am I posting about this today?!?! Sharing my story (#IYKYK, I wrote about it in my memoir #thickerthanwater) has allowed me to feel less alone. 29 million Americans will be affected by an eating disorder in their lifetime, but only 23% of Americans with an eating disorder will receive treatment. One of the most significant barriers to eating disorder treatment is the misconceptions/stereotypes of who “gets” an eating disorder. But the truth is, these disorders affect people of all ages, genders, races, economic statuses, and body sizes.
Today, I’m definitely in my feels about getting to share some important news: I’ve partnered with (and invested in) a beautiful healing resource called @equiphealth, the leading eating disorder treatment program that’s both virtual and covered by insurance. I’m so deeply inspired by their mission to make evidence-based care accessible to everyone who needs it – regardless of race, class, age, size, gender, or whatever!
SWIPE 👉🏾 to learn from or support eating disorder non-profits working to connect folks with resources. #EDAW #EDAW2025 | Posted on 20/Feb/2025 22:59:30
