Weight talk, boundaries and how best to converse with someone struggling with an eating disorder.

So. I've gained weight. Yup. And don't I know it, because many people are telling me so!
For context, I've been away from London for two and a half months as I came back to Hull for my role in Ladies unleashed at Hull Truck Theatre, and to be fair when I left many had seen me looking very poorly this year due to kidney failure and more.
However...
It got me thinking about boundaries and what right someone has (or hasn't) to comment on your body, shape and size.
It also got me thinking about how complex and hard it can be to approach conversations around weight restoration (if that's how the eating disorder has presented itself... As I say here weight does not define the severity, medical risk or seriousness of a person's eating disorder or disordered eating) or change in appearance both physically and mentally in outlook.
Here I share my thoughts on my personal situation and also, I hope, give some helpful tips and pointers about what to say and what to possibly avoid.
This wasn't an easy post to do. I've always battled with taking up "too much space" and have feared being "seen" as I experienced things growing up where I would have given anything to have not been visible or have disappeared. I am owning my space in this world, I hope by sharing with you, and hopefully helping too.
We are more than a number. Eating Disorders are not about weight. Humans are more than a shape...we are energy, souls, hearts.
Be mindful, be considered, be gentle, be kind.
I hope this helps. You matter 🌱
If you need support, we at SEED - Eating Disorder Support Services are here for you www.seed.charity 📧 [e-mail] 🤙 01482 718130
#eatingdisorders #charity #conversationsforchange #makeadifference #mentalhealth #bodyimage #bekind

[@hayleymills3745]

You are a true inspiration Gemma. Fantastic advice as always x

[@NuttyEllaLovesNutella]

HII 👋🏻 Thanks for this video, I agree with you 100% I currently have BED and Bulimia and my weight varies from being underweight to overweight and the comments I get at all stages of my ED is shocking! Another thing is I wish people would stop commenting on what I'm eating/not eating ..ugh I feel your frustration and give you a big HUG 🤗
I will say you are absolutely beautiful inside and out and you make me proud to be from Hull 🥰

[@paulsmith4488]

Truly inspiring well done Gemma

[@wesleylewis7063]

Gemma ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Wes