Teen Voices on Eating Disorders: Stories, Recovery, and Support

Episode 95: Eating disorders can be frightening, isolating, and hard to recognize — and they often appear in teens who seem successful, high-achieving, athletic, social, or “fine” on the outside. In this episode of State of Mind, student leader and mental health advocate Sophia Krish guest hosts a conversation shaped especially for teens, young adults, families, educators, and anyone who cares about a young person who may be struggling. Sophia is joined by psychologist, author, and body image expert Dr. Charlotte Markey, along with Mia Perry and Austin Gautreau, who share their personal experiences with eating disorder recovery.

Together, they explore how eating disorders can develop, the role of social media and cultural messages about food and bodies, the pressure of perfectionism, and why eating disorders are often missed or misunderstood. Austin’s story also highlights the added stigma boys and men may face when their experiences don’t fit common assumptions about who struggles with eating disorders.

The episode also includes In Your Voice stories from Katherine and Ellie-Kate offering additional teen perspectives on social media, asking for help, and the courage it can take to let others know something is wrong.

Throughout the conversation, guests emphasize that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions — not choices, phases, or vanity — and that recovery often begins with being seen, believed, and supported. The episode closes with practical guidance on early intervention, prevention, treatment, and how teens and families can take a first step toward help.

Broadcasts: 10/4/26 & 10/12/26

Producer: Debra Sloss LMFT

Guest Host: Sophia Krish

Guests: Charlotte Markey, PhD, Austin Gautreau & Mia Perry

Contributors: Ellie-Kate Gilfert & Katherine

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