This past week was Eating Disorder Awareness Week. It was implemented to spread awareness of eating disorders in people around the United States and the world, and to show that there are things like recovery programs out there.

I’ve always been very open about my mental health. I've never been afraid to share my story and how I deal with my mental state every day. Eating Disorder Awareness Week is just an outlet that I can use to tell my story.

My struggle with my eating disorder has been a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs. There are times where I feel I’m on top of the world, beautiful and in love with my body. Then there are the lows, where I don’t even want to leave my dorm because I feel too insecure about my body.

What I hope that someone can gain from this is self-love. Loving yourself is a journey, a journey that I have yet to complete. Still, I feel that I have the right to promote self love.

Allowing yourself to be taken over by a mental disorder is terrible, and no one asks for it to happen. It’s so easy to fall back into old habits, and I understand that. What I ask of you is that if you feel like you’re getting bad again, please seek help. There are people who specialize in things like this just so they can help others.

Having an eating disorder isn’t easy, and asking for help is even harder. However, once you make that transition, I guarantee you that your life will get better. Take baby steps, and eventually you’ll reach your goal. Love yourself, and please don’t ever give up.