Why Hong Kong needs to start talking about eating disorders
With mental health issues often overlooked in the city, it’s no surprise that topics like binge eating are rarely discussed. But a new film is raising awareness on social media and giving hope to sufferers
“It’s a constant tug of war with yourself,” says recovering eating disorder struggler Maya Lee Wing-sum.
“It’s an abusive relationship with that unignorable voice in your head, and no amount of logic or reasoning can convince you that your voice is wrong, that the words you, essentially, are telling yourself are harmful and untrue.”
While the Hong Kong government has yet to establish a specialised plan for eating disorder treatment, or route the city towards increasing conversations about the topic, traction is slowly gaining on social media with the release of the Netflix film To the Bone.
The lead, Hollywood actress Lily Collins, and writer/director Marti Noxon have both overcome past struggles with eating disorders and are using the film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, to “start a conversation”.
“Owning my past, being open, and having no shame or regrets about my experiences. Sharing my history with eating disorders and how personal this film has been is one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” Collins posted on her Instagram account, sparking thousands of comments from users across the world.