Have you ever thought you've spent too long ill with an eating disorder, that there's just no way you can recover from an eating disorder? If that's you, this episode is for you.
This week on the Full of Beans Podcast, I'm joined by Andrea Stroud, mum to Joshua, Jacob and Tommy who has lived with anorexia, in secret, for over 40 years. Andrea hopes that by sharing her story and the reality of living with an eating disorder and its impact on family life, she can give others hope that it’s never too late to recover.
We also talk about years of missed red flags from medical professionals, the moment Andrea said "I am actually quite unwell," and what has made eating disorder recovery feel different this time around.
In this episode, we explore:
How growing up in a weight-focused family left Andrea feeling different from everyone around her
How gymnastics, dance and athletics brought an early focus on appearance and comparison
The missed red flags across years of medical appointments, from gynaecology to gastroenterology
How dismissal by healthcare professionals reinforced the belief of not being sick enough
The study day that finally gave Andrea permission to say she was actually quite unwell
How Andrea opened up to her son Josh after 40 years of silent struggles
Going back into treatment, and why this time felt different
Why rigid meal plans can work against the very thing eating disorder recovery needs
What mental hunger is and how it can be misunderstood in treatment
Opposite actions as a practical tool for challenging eating disorder thoughts
Why food is about more than fuel, it is connection, presence and belonging
Why Andrea's word for long-term anorexia recovery is connection
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