Eating Disorder Recovery After 27 Years and Supporting those with EDS in Latin American culture, with Karla Manzanilla

Today I’m talking to Karla Manzanilla, all the way from Mexico. She is someone who has lived with anorexia, bulimia, compulsive exercise, and orthorexia for more than 27 years. I’m pleased to report that she is now fully recovered and describes experiencing feeling fully alive again. Karla is also a mother to three incredible teenagers.  Karla is passionate about encouraging hope - that recovery is possible no matter your age, eating disorder duration, your culture, gender, sex, or religion, She believes that eating disorders can live within any of us. We can all be vulnerable to this. In the podcast today, Karla is going to talk about her recovery story. She hopes that through this, she can inspire listeners, especially the parents that live in silence and solitude with an eating disorder. Parents can be experiencing so much shame, anxiety and guilt for their secret ed behaviours, leading to a double life: on the outside as the coping mother or father, whilst inwardly struggling so desperately. Karla’s life mission changed due to her personal recovery journey and now she is helping clients to heal their relationship with food and body. Karla’s coaching is oriented towards Latin American people suffering with chronic eating disorders. She is also opening the door to new and more accessible treatment services in her region. Currently, eating disorder treatment is very classist and it’s difficult to access via the public health system, with limited or no treatment options in some areas.  In the episode today, you’re going to hear all about Karla’s inspiring recovery journey and how she is now using her experience to support others, particularly within Latin American culture. I hope that you enjoy the conversation.   To find out more about Karla: Website: https://www.karlamanzanilla.com/ Instagram: @kar_manz   This week’s sponsor: Amber Romaniuk  Amber’s podcast: https://amberapproved.ca/podcast  Amber’s website: https://amberapproved.ca/    Harriet Frew's current offers: - Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating Course with Harriet Frew - 50% off with code FREEDOMISPOSSIBLE https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/online-courses.html  Body Image Training Day for counsellors https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html