Kerry Washington opens up about battling an eating disorder

Kerry Washington's memoir Thicker Than Water is soon going to be out and she has much to say about it. This memoir is not a representation of her experiences, but also a window to her mental health.

In a new interview with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, the Scandal star and Emmy winner recently shared one of her private experiences. Like other celebrities, Kerry has kept her personal away from the limelight as much as she could. However, she is now ready to speak about her experience with eating disorders and suicidal ideation.

"With this book, I am trying to share who I really am," Kerry Washington said.

An eating disorder can truly take toll on your well-being. (Image via vecteezy/ Kathy Hutchins)

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Kerry Washington talks about her mental health and much more

It takes courage to open up about your inner world and the turmoils you have gone through. (Image via Vecteezy/ Kathy Hutchins)

There was much revealed in the glimpse shared by Kerry on her Instagram feed. The full interview will be available on September 24, and soon after her memoir is going to be released on September 26.

It seems that Kerry for the longest time was on autopilot and remained a 'high functioning' adult. Irrespective of her inner world experiences, she always showed up for work.

"I knew how to manage. I was so high-functioning, and the food took me out. Like, the body dysmorphia, the body hatred, it was beyond my control," she said.

Kerry also revealed that she has experienced suicidal ideations and as she quotes "the little acts of trying to destroy herself." While there seem to be other reasons leading up to this, one of the major reasons seems to be her eating disorder.

Eating disorders take lives every year, and yet they are not given the due notice. Celebrities especially are at a risk of developing these conditions, due to the unrealistic demands and pressure on them.

Kerry Washington spoke about her current mental health and revealed that like any other person, she still has some struggles but it is much further away from the bottom. She told Roberts:

"It's just very different now. It's not to the extreme. There is no suicidal ideation. That's not where I am anymore. The bottom has gotten a lot higher, where just a little discomfort with it is enough for me to know this is a way to check myself. But it definitely looks a lot healthier, it's a lot easier, it's a lot saner than it used to be."

She is trying to build a better relationship with food and incorporates, mindful eating and exercise in her routine. Kerry Washington's vulnerability is indeed going to be an inspiration for many!

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Kerry is not the first one to open up about her mental health condition. Many other celebrities have shed light on their experience with eating disorders. This also inspires many from the black community to open up about their mental health concerns.

Kerry Washington's eating disorder is one of the few representations of how challenging this condition can be and the incredible pressure it puts a person through.

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Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.