It’s National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and today we are talking to one of our favorite people, Johanna Kandel. Johanna is the founder of The Alliance for Eating Disorders — the nation’s leading nonprofit providing referrals, education, and support to individuals experiencing eating disorders and their loved ones. After recovering from a long battle with various EDs (which we get into), she founded The Alliance, bringing so much of her personal insight into the incredible work that she does. This conversation was packed with vulnerability, wisdom, and resources. With Johanna, we discussed the genetic link to eating disorders and the power of understanding what is in our control, understanding when it’s time for treatment vs things you can do on your own, the power of a diagnosis (and dangers in self diagnosis), thoughts on dieting (don’t get her started on ozempic), and how to talk to someone you are concerned about. The Alliance offers comprehensive services, including:Educational presentations and training daysFree, weekly, therapist-led support groups nationwide (virtual and in-person) for those experiencing eating disorders and for their loved onesSupport and referrals through both our free help-line and comprehensive referral website/appDirect, low-cost, life-saving, outpatient treatment to underinsured and uninsured adults in the South Florida community.Unique and empowering Southern Smash scale smashing events and SmashTALK panel discussions.They also have an incredible Instagram as well as will be hosting virtual support groups all week long for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Feb 27—March 5BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE ALLIANCE! https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/https://www.instagram.com/alliancefored/Weekly support groups include Pro-Recovery ED Support, LGBTQ+ Support, Friends + Family Group, and more! SHOP “CO-CREATE” TMV’S MANIFESTATION JOURNAL: https://www.thoughtsmayvary.com/the-tmv-shopDiscount codes, extra unpackings, journal prompts, vlogging (+more!) all happening with our familia over on Patreon. Come hang out — https://www.patreon.com/thoughtsmayvaryDon’t forget to DM us on IG or submit a question on thoughtsmayvary.com to have your question or theme unpacked on a future episode! ?️ Listen anywhere you get your podcasts ?️? Watch episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@thoughtsmayvary  ? Follow along, we're funny on the internet sometimeshttps://www.thoughtsmayvary.com/https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsmayvarypodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thoughtsmayvarypodMeadow: https://www.instagram.com/itsmeadowlarkGaby: https://www.instagram.com/gabyulloa_DISCLAIMER: We are not licensed professionals. If you are seeking licensed and professional mental health support, please reach out to 741-741 (The Crisis Text Line) or The NAMI Helpline or The Trevor Project or reach out to us for more resources.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy