Last month marked five years since I entered a rehabilitation center in Arizona, and I've been blessed to say that I've done well in recovery since. My eating disorder is not part of my everyday life anymore; in fact, many people in my life don't even know that I ever suffered at all.

However, in light of last week being National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) week, I feel compelled to share a few things that I wish I had known when I was suffering with anorexia. Eating disorders are very painful and often isolating diseases, but they're also similar to many mental health disorders in that they gain power in secrecy.

What do I wish I someone had told me when I was suffering? The same things that I would tell my younger self, now, if I could:

1. That the damage to my body would be long lasting and potentially irreversible.

I wish I had been forewarned; my doctor did talk to me about the damage I was doing to my body, but by that time damage had already been done. I wish I had known about the osteopenia that would develop in my bones, the acid reflux that would keep me up at night for years to come, the problems with my heart that I would still have to take medication for five years later. I wish someone had told me that the mortality rate is higher than any other mental illness. 

2. That my eating disorder would take up all of my mind space and that enough would never be enough.

Holding conversations. Nights out with friends. Accomplishing academic goals. Studying abroad. Laughing. Relaxing. Romantic relationships. Vacations. Sports. Everything becomes more difficult because eating disorders are greedy -- they'll eat up all of the room in your brain and then ask for even more. They're relentless b*tches who will take everything from you if you don't fight them. 

3. That there is help for you, and that others want to help you.

My therapist, parents, friends, and boyfriend at the time provided me with an amazing support system. It can be scary discussing your mental health concerns with a partner, friend, or parent. I've been there. Reaching out for help can mean visiting a dietitian, asking a close friend to hold you accountable, or visiting the health center. Additionally, I also found group therapy to be particularly helpful. Connecting with girls who might be going through similar struggles can really help you feel less alone.

4. That the worst day in recovery is better than the best day with an eating disorder.

It takes a lot of inner strength and hard work to fight a disease that has ultimately infected the very way you think and the way you experience emotions. As someone who has fought her ass off for recovery day in and day out, I can tell you from my own personal standpoint that it is very much worth it. It's a long process. It requires diligence, patience, and a great deal of resilience. It's hard as hell, especially when your eating disorder feels like the only thing that makes any logical sense to you. But there's one thing I can guarantee you, it's this: if you seek professional help, commit to recovery, and give it all you've got, you WILL become a stronger person because of it.

But don't just take my word for it! Here's what some of my friends in recovery had to say when I asked them for their input:

• "Things I wish I could say to my younger self? Obviously that it's not worth it. I would tell myself that I would miss out on way too many opportunities and friendships, that the eating disorder wasn't me talking. I wish I had known that I was important enough to live because I was going to do great things. That life is fun, and that asking for help is okay." -Lindsay D.

• "I wish I could've known that this disease wouldn't just affect myself. That it would also devastate my friends, family, and significant others. That not only did I have to suffer through this disease, but that they did too. Watching your child almost die is no easy task, and that's something I wish I could take away from my mom ever since." -Kristen C.

• "I'd tell myself that losing weight is not the answer to my problems. The struggles you dealt with before don't go away simply because you are five sizes smaller. That this path leads down a long, dark, lonely road that eventually leads to depression and anxiety -- the opposite of which you were seeking in the first place. That recovery will be one of the most challenging aspects of life. But it is so damn worth it. I'd tell myself that learning to love and to accept your body is the key to happiness." -Amanda S.

• "What I wish I could say to my younger self: how utterly beautiful and strong she is. I would tell her to hold on to hope and have faith. I would say, 'Be brave. Be fearless.' Things will get better. I would tell her how sorry I am that I starved her. That I stole her childhood and broke her spirit. I would tell her to believe in her own power. I would tell her to never let anybody else dictate her worth because it is as vast as the ocean and never ceases." -Ellie P.

• "I guess what I would tell my younger self is that losing more weight and being thinner would not make me a better person. Working out too much and not eating enough to compensate will slowly kill your body, especially your heart and brain. I would tell myself to be less resistant to treatment the first time, and to talk more openly with the psychs so that I could've gotten the right medications sooner." -Hannah F. 

Finally, if you have any insights to share, I would love to read your comments below. And please feel free to share this article with your friends and family; I truly believe that eating disorders thrive on secrecy, and that initiating awareness and positive discussion can help those suffering to feel a little less isolated.