Kerry Washington realized she was experiencing a significant mental health crisis before deciding to seek help for an eating disorder.
“The real push to address my eating disorder wasn’t about the food or the actions associated with it,” Washington, 49, shared during her appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast on Wednesday, March 18. “It was the suicidal thoughts.”
She revealed that during the peak of her challenges, she was “trying to escape life.”
“I was using food and exercise as a means to disappear,” she explained. “I needed to understand how to live. I was scared of how harsh I was being to myself.”
Washington further shared, “I was in such deep pain that causing myself more pain seemed like the only escape.”
The Scandal star had earlier discussed her battle with an eating disorder in an October 2020 interview with Essence, where she opened up about binge eating.
“Food was my way of coping, it became my closest friend,” she said, noting that she sometimes ate “until I passed out” and then would “spend hours at the gym.”
During the podcast, Washington described her decision to seek treatment as coming during her college years when things were at their lowest.
“It was the first time I truly prayed, asking to escape the chaos,” she recalled. “My whole life was centered on what I ate or didn’t eat and calorie counting.”
She sought both group and individual therapy and worked closely with a nutritionist during that period.
“If you’re facing a struggle, trust your instincts,” she advised. “If you recognize the need for help, don’t let others downplay your feelings.”
Washington, who has invested in the online platform Equip to aid in eating disorder recovery, highlighted the ongoing challenge doctors face in diagnosing these disorders.
“Don’t downplay your struggles,” she urged. “If you require assistance, reach out. You don’t have to endure alone or live in pain, nor engage in activities that take you away from life.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website or call their hotline at (866) 662-1235. Text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
