eating disorder — Blog — Rachel Havekost

How Storytelling Saves Lives: Moving America's Soul on Suicide

For years I’ve felt the impact of shared stories in safe spaces and I fully believe that because I’ve been able to share my story and hear the stories of others, I’m still alive today. When I was invited to attend the screening of “Moving America’s Soul on Suicide,” I wanted to understand why storytelling could have such a profoundly positive impact on my mental health. How can hearing a complete stranger’s story of overcoming hardship--even if it’s a hardship I’ve never experienced--transform and illuminate my own suffering into hope and possibility?

35 Lessons From 35 Years

Today is my 35th birthday. And for the first time in a long time, I can truly say, I’m so glad I was born. I’m so glad to be alive. I’m glad that my attempts to leave didn’t work, and in honor of being 35—still alive—here are 35 lessons I’ve learned in life.

StoriesRachel HavekostDecember 29, 2023mental health, depression, trauma, healing, therapy, anxiety, dbt, self love, eating disorder, grief, relationships, friendhspComment

My 15-Year Eating Disorder

Years ago, I was asked to speak at a National Eating Disorder Awareness event about my story. It was the first time I publicly shared my story, and I was terrified. When writing my speech, I asked myself what I wish I could have heard as a young girl struggling with an eating disorder.

StoriesRachel HavekostSeptember 24, 2020eating disorder, eating disorder treatment, binge eating disorderComment

Raising Awareness for National Eating Disorder Week

In 2005, when I was 15 years old, I was diagnosed with Anorexia. At that time there was so little discussion about eating disorders within our culture (outside of the occasional tabloid headline or celebrity weight loss scandal). For the most part, eating disorders were not spoken of, and support and recovery for those who needed it was kept quiet. As a result, my eating disorder and therapy was a secret for my entire high school career.

How To Cope Ahead For Any Situation

Coping Ahead is a brilliant tool that anyone can use--even if you don’t suffer from severe anxiety. We could all use a little help in preparing for stressful situations. Over the years, I have developed a routine of how I cope ahead. You can use the Cope Ahead skills when you are headed into any situation that you know might cause you any kind of negative emotion. Here is how it’s done.