My name is Sana, and I’m a sophomore at Lynbrook High School. I created PROJECT AWARE because eating disorders and mental health struggles are far more common than people realize — especially among teens — and yet so many people feel like they have to face them alone.
I believe awareness can save lives. When we understand what eating disorders really are, we can break the stigma, challenge harmful standards, and create a world where people feel safe asking for help. PROJECT AWARE is meant to be a supportive space for anyone who is struggling — whether you’re personally dealing with an eating disorder, supporting a friend, or simply trying to learn more.
My goal is to spread hope, education, and strength, and to remind every person reading this: you are not alone, and recovery is possible.
My Story
For a long time, I struggled with an eating disorder quietly and privately.
Like many people, I tried to appear okay on the outside — continuing school, responsibilities, and everyday life — even when I was struggling internally. Over time, my eating disorder began to take a serious toll on both my mental and physical health, and eventually, it reached a point where I needed to be hospitalized.
That experience was one of the most difficult and eye-opening moments of my life. It showed me that eating disorders are not simply “bad habits” or phases. They are real mental illnesses that can affect every part of a person’s life, and they can become life-threatening without proper support and treatment.
After being hospitalized, I entered a structured eating disorder recovery program, where I remained for several months. At the beginning, I felt scared, uncertain, and overwhelmed. Recovery felt intimidating, and I often questioned whether I was strong enough to truly get better.
But over time, I began to understand what recovery actually means.
Recovery is not about being perfect. It is not about never struggling. It is about continuing to show up — even on the hard days. It is about rebuilding a life that is no longer controlled by fear, guilt, or self-criticism.
During my months in treatment, I learned that healing involves much more than changing behaviors around food. It requires mental strength, patience, and a shift in the way a person sees themselves. For a long time, my eating disorder convinced me that my worth was tied to appearance. Recovery helped me challenge that belief and understand that I am more than my body — I am a person with goals, passions, and a future worth fighting for.
I also learned one of the most meaningful lessons of my recovery: support matters. Learning to speak honestly about my thoughts and emotions — and allowing others to help me — became a major part of my healing. I realized that asking for help is not weakness. It is strength.
I am still continuing my recovery journey, but I am proud of how far I have come.
Most importantly, I want others to know this:
You are not alone. Help exists. Recovery is possible.
That is why I created PROJECT AWARE— to spread eating disorder and mental health awareness, provide education, and reduce the stigma that prevents so many teens and individuals from getting the support they deserve.