Lauren Nash

My name is Lauren Nash, and I am currently working as a retail coordinator. I am a big music fan and love going to indie concerts in the city. When I’m not head banging to my favourite song, I play with my dog. A setback I have recently encountered has impacted my life as a whole.

In October 2018, I was really struggling with my body image, which caused me to develop a horrible relationship with food. I would wake up and I wouldn’t let myself eat. About half way through my day I would get hungry so I would make myself something to eat. As soon as I put food into my mouth, I would get severely nauseous and then lose my appetite for the rest of the day. Some days I would binge eat, but some days I would eat nothing. This cycle continued for months. It wasn’t until I opened up to a close friend that I realized that what I was doing was doing me more harm than good. My friend held me accountable and was making sure I was putting something into my body.

To anyone who may be going through this, I would advise you to seek help. Whether it be a close friend, family member, teacher, co-worker, whoever you may have a close connection with who you can be open and honest with. My second piece of advice for anyone who may struggle with body image or have difficulties with eating is to become more aware of the things you are viewing on social media. I used to look at “body goals” thinking if I didn’t look like the girl with the thigh gap and flat tummy, or if I didn’t look like the girl with the round hips and a big chest, no one would find me attractive. The thing is, all bodies are beautiful, regardless of weight, shape, or size; whether you are healthy or unhealthy; whatever your diet looks like. You deserve to give your body the nutrients it needs to function and survive. You deserve to love your body and yourself.