Recovery from an eating disorder can feel like a solo journey, but the truth is, no one heals on their own. As we head into Mental Health Awareness Week and reflect on this year’s theme of Community, I’ve taken some time to think about how connection helped me find my way back to myself and back to the life I love.

My eating disorder started when I felt out of control. My dad was not doing well with his health, and although I tried to seem put together, on the inside, I was quite the opposite. I didn’t know how to explain what I was feeling, and felt like no one would understand. My mental health was negatively impacted, and unfortunately, I felt at the time that controlling my food intake was the only way to control my life. It was my unhealthy coping mechanism, something that I latched on to that temporarily might have made me feel somewhat certain.

Soon, I realised this coping mechanism was indeed a trap which made me feel isolated, ashamed, and disconnected from myself as well as the people around me. It took me a while to reach out and find the support I needed. It was a lonely period of my life.  In time, things changed and got better. Eventually. I began to let people in gradually. I got the support I needed and in fact, wanted. I found small communities through support groups, through work, and through loved ones. I was reminded that I didn’t have to do this alone.

This year will be my third year in recovery, and I truly believe that I am in a place that I actually never thought possible. I’m happy. Happiness surrounds me through my loved ones, including my partner, my sister and my family. I am super passionate about my career in diversity and inclusion, where I get to help others feel seen, be heard and valued. I’ve fallen in love with fitness in a way that’s about strength, joy, and taking care of my body, not punishing it. I’ve even started discovering new hobbies! Learning more about myself outside of the eating disorder has been one of the most rewarding experiences of this journey.

Recovery has been a roller coaster. A challenging one at that. But what I’ve learned is that community makes the impossible feel possible. Being surrounded by people who see you, support you, want the best for you, inspire you and believe in your recovery even when you don’t has inspired me to thrive and be the best version of myself.

Mental Health Awareness Week: How You Can Get Involved 💚

This year’s theme is Community. A reminder that we all play a role in supporting mental health, whether for ourselves or someone else. Here are a few ways to take part in this Mental Health Awareness Week (12th–18th May):

🌱 Reach Out – If someone you care about is struggling, let them know you’re there. A simple message, call, or coffee can make a big difference.

🤝 Find Your People – Whether it’s a support group, online community, or even a fitness class you enjoy—seek out spaces where you feel safe, seen, and supported.

📣 Share Your Story – If you feel ready, sharing your mental health journey can be a powerful way to help others feel less alone. It’s also a reminder of how far you’ve come.

🎗️ Educate Yourself – Learn more about eating disorders and mental health. Awareness helps break down stigma and creates more compassionate communities.

💬 Start the Conversation – At work, in your group chat, on social media—talking about mental health normalises it. Your voice matters.

🌼 Practice Self-Kindness – Whether you’re in recovery or just trying to get through the day, remember to be gentle with yourself. Rest is productive. Progress takes time.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m holding gratitude for the people who supported me and were patient with me, for the communities that welcomed me in, and for the life I’ve rebuilt. If you’re struggling, please know: there is help out there. There is hope. And you are never, ever alone. There is rain, but after the rain, there are the most beautiful flowers you have ever seen.