Brittany Snow is celebrating a major point in her recovery journey. The actress says she once could not picture a future beyond her struggles. Seventeen years later, she can look back with gratitude. Snow now wants others facing similar battles to know that hope can exist beyond their hardest days.
Brittany Snow marks 17 years of eating disorder recovery after choosing to stop hurting herself
Snow shared the milestone in an Instagram post on Thursday, September 17. She said she chose to “stop hurting” herself 17 years ago. “The day I chose to bet on myself,” she wrote. Snow said she could not imagine what life might look like on the other side of recovery.
The actress remembered how uncertain she felt at the time. “Seventeen years ago, I didn’t know if I would make it,” she wrote. She also said she could not see a future where she would learn to treat herself with kindness. Snow credited her friends and family for helping her through that decision.
Snow said a small inner voice encouraged her not to quit. “There is so much more to your story,” she wrote. She also reflected on the life she later found, including “so much beauty,” and “so much love.” “One of the greatest gifts of making it through is being able to turn around and share the hope I couldn’t see possible,” she added.
Snow also shared a message for people who face similar struggles. “So many people have stood where you are standing,” she wrote, adding that “there is life beyond the place you are in today.” She said she feels grateful that she stayed and can now share a story that may help someone else.
She also tagged Bring Change to Mind, the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, September Letters, Make Sure Your Friends Are Okay, and The Mental Health Coalition. Snow’s 17-year recovery milestone marks a journey she now hopes can give others a reason to keep going.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, The Alliance for Eating Disorders provides a fully staffed helpline at 1-866-662-1235, as well as free, therapist-led support groups.
