hi! welcome back to recovered-ish.

this episode is about one of the most common thoughts that keeps people stuck in eating disorders:

it’s not that bad.
it could be worse.
i’m not sick enough for help.

we talk about where this belief comes from, why it feels so convincing, and how it’s reinforced by medical providers, mental health systems, social media, and comparison — even when someone’s inner world is completely consumed by food, body, and fear.

i also share personal stories from my own experience, including being complimented on my body at a moment when i was close to asking for help, and later being told by a doctor that i was healthy despite being the most sick — moments that delayed care when i was deeply unwell.

⚠️ content note
this episode is intentionally non-graphic:
no numbers (weight, calories, vitals)
no detailed behaviors
no body comparison or before/after content

in this episode, i talk about:
– how eating disorders often begin from a well-intentioned place
– the “honeymoon phase” where restriction can feel rewarding
– when it stops feeling good and starts taking over
– why physical markers aren’t reliable indicators of severity
– medical and mental health invalidation
– gaps in provider education around eating disorders
– social media and the “not sick enough” comparison spiral
– the eating disorder’s agenda and why it survives on delay
– anosognosia (loss of insight) and why it’s so dangerous
– wanting your pain to be visible
– why you deserve care now, not later

⏱️ episode timestamps
0:00 Cold Open: The Lie
00:40 Introduction
03:20 The Honeymoon Phase
06:58 When It Stops Feeling Good
10:52 My Story: The Beach Compliment
12:59 Medical Invalidation
14:20 The Mental Illness Reality
17:13 Provider Education Gap
21:04 Social Media & Recovery Content
26:10 The Eating Disorder’s Agenda
31:33 Anosognosia: Loss of Insight
33:58 Wanting to Be Sick
36:55 You Deserve Care Now
37:42 Q&A: First Steps in Recovery

sponsor / resources
Recovery Skills Training — my step-by-step program for eating disorder recovery
get $57 off with code PODCAST
👉 https://recoverwithchloe.thrivecart.c...

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@recoverwithchloe