In her TEDx talk Starving for the Good, Elisabeth Huh, a third-year student at the University of Chicago, shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey with anorexia. Once unable to attend college due to her struggle with this life-threatening disorder, Elisabeth opens up about the often-taboo subject of eating disorders. She highlights how societal pressures and the pursuit of perfection fueled her battle, shedding light on the stigma surrounding anorexia and the difficulties in accessing proper treatment.

Elisabeth’s recovery wasn’t just about healing her body but also reimagining how society views eating disorders. She advocates for shifting the narrative — seeing these disorders not as personal failures, but as symptoms of a deeper societal illness. Despite the progress made, significant barriers remain, as many still face stigma or lack access to the necessary resources for treatment.

Now a memoirist, national essay finalist, and passionate advocate for human rights, Elisabeth uses her voice to create change. Her work challenges us to view empathy and communication as essential elements of healing, both for individuals and communities. Elisabeth’s message is clear: healing begins with understanding and compassion, and recovery can only be fully realized when we break down the barriers preventing access to care.

Today, Elisabeth is a licensed social worker at the Columbia Day Program, where she provides evidence-based therapy to adults. Her dedication to improving mental health care continues to inspire hope for those facing similar struggles, and her work serves as a testament to the power of recovery and resilience.

Watch the full video here.

Image Credit: Photo by Elena Leya on Unsplash