On this week’s episode I am pleased to be introducing you to our next special guest who will be sharing his story and battle with an eating disorder, Alec. Alec White- Cheshire grew up in the United Kingdom and was raised by loving parents who only wanted the best for him. However, as a young child Alec began to show traits for ADHD, OCD and perfectionism. This is where Alec began placing a lot of pressure on himself as a young child to perform academically, in sports and clubs. Finding himself turning to food as a way to cope with these internal feelings where he was unfortunately hospitalised at the age of 11. This is where Alec was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa and would go on to struggle on and off with an eating disorder for 18 years. Over the years, Alec was hospitalised on numerous occasions missing out on key transitional periods for socialising and integrating into school. Alec also didn’t completely address the difficulties he was experiencing pushing feelings of anxiety, eating disorder thoughts or perfectionism aside.

To support the lack of help seeking for boys and men around eating disorders Alec shares his story in hopes 1 person feels less alone. Sharing his story with Anorexia Nervosa in early life as well as his struggles with food, body, overexercising and diet culture into adulthood. At 28 Alec now has a supportive partner, lives in beautiful Western Australia and has built a really strong relationship with himself. Over time learning the importance of drawing on social supports, his therapist and self-care tools as a way to better manage in life. Alec now values being able to openly address struggles with anxiety, body image, exercise, food and mental health. Being able to have open- conversations with people and promoting the importance of speaking up. So, let’s get into it!

Podcast summary

1. Self-Care to alleviate anxieties and overwhelm

2. Neurodivergence and personality traits in children

3. The impact of hospitalisations during important life transitions

4. Throwing yourself into work and overexercising

5. Parents supporting a child with an eating disorder

6. Not pushing things down and seeking support as a man

Links from the episode and to BodyMatters:

BodyMatters Australasia Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bodymatters.com.au/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

BodyMatters Instagram: @bodymattersau

Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Call their National Helpline on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1800 33 4673⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠chat online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email