1. It's more common than you would think

In the United States alone, it's stated that approximately eight million people have anorexia, bulimia, or a related eating disorder.

2. Media influence can have an impact on symptoms

If all you see on your Instagram feed are diet ads, diet fads, and ultra-skinny people, that just adds fuel to the fire in terms of practicing unhealthy eating behaviors.

3. While anorexia is centered on food, it doesn't always have to be about food

Mine stemmed from the need to control some aspect of my life because everything, including my weight, felt so out of control. Obsessing over what I put into my body was the one thing that I knew I could control. (And, that's actually a pretty common thing among those of us who deal with anorexia.)

4. If you're struggling, it's OK to admit that and seek help

There is no shame whatsoever in admitting that things are getting to be too much to handle. Believe it or not, there's actually a lot of strength that can come from that.

5. Recovery IS possible, but it doesn't happen overnight

It might take weeks, months, or even years to get better, but you can get better from this. Personally, I'm so thankful that I sought help when I did because I'm doing so much better than what I was doing about a month and a half to two months ago. Recovery from Anorexia, or any eating disorder, is possible.

6. You have to take control over your recovery

Yes, recovery is possible, but you have to be willing to be an active participant in your recovery story. It's not easy. In fact, it might end up being one of the hardest things you've ever done in your life, but at least you will have a life to live.

7. If you don't seek help, it could be deadly

No joke. If left untreated, anorexia can, and oftentimes does, lead to death. Please, please, please remember that recovery is possible and death is avoidable here.