More Than a Body: Sarah’s Journey Through Anorexia and Healing

Trigger Warning:
This episode contains sensitive discussions around eating disorders, suicide, and sexual abuse. Please take care of your mental health and choose to listen when and if it feels safe for you.

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Episode Summary:
In this deeply vulnerable and powerful conversation, Sammy sits down with Sarah — a woman who has lived in the shadows of anorexia since the age of 13. What began as a quiet attempt to find control amidst the chaos of her parents’ divorce grew into a decades-long battle with restriction, shame, and self-punishment.

Sarah opens up about the reality behind her illness — the loneliness, the misunderstood stereotypes, and the consuming internal noise that comes with living with an eating disorder. She shares how trauma, perfectionism, and the desire to simply be “enough” shaped her relationship with food, her body, and herself.

Together, Sammy and Sarah explore the hidden layers of eating disorders and the strength it takes to reach for healing. Sarah also talks about her time in a recovery clinic, what helped her the most, and why empathy, support, and community are so vital.

This episode is not only a story of pain — it’s a story of resilience, honesty, and hope.

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In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Sarah’s early life and the emotional impact of her parents' divorce

• How anorexia became a coping mechanism for trauma and anxiety

• The misconception that eating disorders are about vanity or appearance

• The genetic, societal, and personality factors that can contribute to disordered eating

• Sarah’s contrasting experiences with treatment in hospital vs. a holistic clinic

• The emotional toll of living with a misunderstood illness

• Why support, patience, and compassion from others can change everything

• What recovery means, and why it’s not a linear path

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A Message from Sarah:
"I didn’t choose this. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But I’m still here — learning, healing, and hoping. And I want others to know they’re not alone."

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You Are Not Alone – Support Is Available:

If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to one of the following support services:

• Butterfly Foundation (Eating Disorder Support, Australia)
  📞 1800 33 4673 (8am–midnight AEST, 7 days)
  🌐 butterfly.org.au

• Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support)
  📞 13 11 14
  🌐 lifeline.org.au

• Beyond Blue (Mental Health Support)
  📞 1300 22 4636
  🌐 beyondblue.org.au

• National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC)
  🌐 nedc.com.au
  (Provides information and connects you to services like Butterfly)

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Connect with Sammy:
🧠 Registered Counsellor. Mental Health Advocate. Host of Soul with Sammy.
🌐 www.thestillspace.com.au
📱 Instagram: @thestillspaceau @soulwithsammy