It started during high school. Malin Fröling involuntarily lost weight and received positive comments from those around her that she looked good looking and fit. The compliments gave her a kick and boosted her confidence, but it was also the start of a vicious spiral.
– The positive kick I got in the beginning quickly subsided and was replaced by anxiety, exercise compulsion and prohibitions. I tried to recover on my own, but instead started binge eating on the sly. Food became a way to deal with difficult feelings," says Malin Fröling.
Important to seek help
Today, Malin has been healthy for many years. She works in Frisk & Fri – the National Association Against Eating Disorders, helping other people who have been affected.
"Today, I think many people compare themselves to others on social media and it makes the condition worse. The most important thing is to dare to seek care and not sit alone with your thoughts and feelings. Eating disorder is a disease that requires treatment and it is possible to recover," says Malin Fröling.
Do you have experiences of eating disorders – as a person affected or close to you?
Feel free to get in touch by emailing our reporter Antonios Antoniadis. You always have source protection.