Eating disorders are mental health disorders. Period – full stop. (Triggering content warning) Johanna Kandel, today’s esteemed guest and the founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, has dedicated her career to unveiling that commonly misunderstood fact. Eating disorders are biologically-based brain illnesses. They are genetic in nature, and they are absolutely serious mental illnesses. As a passionate (and impressively credentialed) advocate for mental health and eating disorders legislation, Johanna has spent a lot of time meeting with numerous members of Congress, and was part of the first-ever Eating Disorder Roundtable at the White House. This is a deeply personal conversation wherein both Johanna and I share experiences from our own struggles with disordered eating and mental health; dig into our raw, honest, and unfiltered concerns about the growing trend of weight loss drugs; and deliver important tips for respectfully supporting those in your life struggling with body image issues. You don’t want to miss this table stakes conversation on mental health as we shine a bright light on one of the most deeply shrouded health and wellness secrets hidden beneath American society. No doubt, you’ll leave more informed, inspired, and empowered to help further the cause. (00:05:59) Johanna Kandel’s Backstory & Inspirations (00:13:26) Environmental & Genetic Predisposition to Eating Disorders (00:18:05) Surviving Near-Death Experiences (00:21:14) Links Between Mental Health & Eating Disorders (00:27:19) We Have to Talk About It: Ozempic & Mental Health (00:35:47) Tips for Supporting ED Journeys with Kindness & Empathy Click here for full show notes Guest Info: • Website: National Alliance for Eating Disorders • Instagram: @alliancefored • TikTok: @alliancefored • YouTube: The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness • Support: allianceforeatingdisorders.com/donate/ • NAED Helpline Phone Number (866) 662-1235 • CEDO’s Response to the Oprah Special Resources: • Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all • Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing • Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn • Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence • Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel • Therapy For All: Resources for those in need • Thank you to our partners! Go to a...