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02/26/2013 11:45 AM

Healthy Living: Eating disorders

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Restricting food is a way for some people to gain control and manage stress, but sometimes it's the result of a traumatic event.

Nichole Lewellyn's pain began when she was just 10 years old. During her teenage years, she was in and out of hospitals.

"I was suffering from anorexia mostly. I did have my periods of bulimia, but anorexia for 28 years," Lewellyn said.

Anorexia has the highest death rate of any psychological disorder.

"My bones were weak. My hair was falling out. Permanent heart condition, they told me I shouldn't have children because of the damage I did to my body," Lewellyn said.

After seven in-patient hospitalizations and years of therapy, she's finally in recovery and she credits the National Eating Disorder Association or NEDA for her success. It's an organization which offers all sorts of support, education and awareness.

Click the video above for more information.