The other profound thing that this counselor told me was this… Secrecy feeds eating disorders and all other addictions. Accountability can break that power. It’s the reason why people who are in AA have sponsors. Take away the secrecy and you take away a lot of the power.
I had spent my whole life covering up this part of me. It was very hard to face the task of telling someone. I feared anger, rejection, and disgust. But I did it anyways. I chose my husband and my best friend. Yes, they were shocked, but they never rejected me. It was an amazing relief that someone knew. If you don’t have someone like that in your family or friends, then find someone outside of that ( pastor, counselor, school counselor, teacher, etc.)
I told my two people that I needed them to ask how I was doing all the time and to not always trust my first response.
It did amaze me that this first step had such an impact on me.