Singer-songwriter Kesha just released a powerful PSA in partnership with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).
Released on Thursday for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, the short PSA features Kesha speaking about her battle with disordered eating, which she originally revealed in 2014.
“Eating disorders are a life threatening illness that could affect anyone,” Kesha says in the video above. “Eating disorders don’t discriminate.”
According to the 30-second PSA, 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S. will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetimes. Eating disorders also have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder.
In a NEDA press release, Kesha explained why the organization’s mission is so close to her heart.
“An eating disorder threatened my life and I was very afraid to confront it,” she said. “As I got sicker, the whole world kept telling me how much better I looked. That’s when I realized that I wanted to be a part of the solution, to stand tall and confident in my ever-changing, imperfect body. I am good enough, just as I am, no matter what number is on a scale or on the back of my jeans.”
On Thursday, Kesha posted a screenshot from the PSA on her Instagram account. “It’s time to talk about eating disorders,” she wrote in the caption. “This #NEDAwareness Week, I’m encouraging all of you to get screened.”
In a NEDA press release, Kesha urged anyone struggling with an eating disorder to get help.
“Many will not get the help they deserve because they are afraid or ashamed. I am pleading with you to get the help that is waiting for you,” she said. “All you have to do is take the first step of being honest with yourself and decide that you want the freedom of recovery! We should all be proud of exactly who we are and, if you need help or know someone who does, NEDA is here.”
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, call the National Eating Disorder Association hotline at 1-800-931-2237.
