Dr. Colleen Reichmann—a clinical psychologist, author, and eating disorder specialist—joins me this week to talk about hopelessness and despair in eating disorder recovery.

We explore how disordered eating, body shame, and perfectionism can create a landscape of deep emotional pain—and how that pain can lead to thoughts of giving up.

Gentle Content Warning: This episode includes a nuanced discussion about suicidal ideation and eating disorders. It is hopeful, and without any graphic detail. That said, please take care while listening, and know that it’s okay to skip this one or come back to it when you're in a steadier place.

Tune in for more on:

* How common it is to feel deep despair in recovery

* Personality traits that fuel hopelessness in eating disorders

* Nutrition, physiology, and how undernourishment affects mood

* The role of relationships in either deepening isolation or offering a lifeline

* How anti-fat bias and weight stigma compound psychological suffering

* How to hold hope while you’re struggling

* The false timeline of recovery and the importance of “invisible” progress

* Support strategies that center validation over toxic positivity

* How clinicians, friends, and loved ones can stay present in the discomfort

If you're struggling, you are not alone—support is available (see resources below).

Dr. Reichmann is a licensed clinical psychologist in Philadelphia, PA, and the founder of Wildflower Therapy LLC. She is an eating disorders specialist but also specializes in mental health specific to college students, maternal mental health, anxiety, and depression.

Resources:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) – Dial or text 988

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 (Free, 24/7)

Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ support) – 1-866-488-7386

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Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy

Podcast Editing by Brian Walters

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