Camila Mendes Bravely Talks About Overcoming an Eating Disorder

Camila Mendes is bravely opening up about what she went through with an eating disorder and how she overcame it for her Women’s Health cover story.

The 25-year-old Riverdale actress is on the cover of the mag’s October 2019 issue. Here’s what she shared with the mag:

On recovering from an eating disorder: “I’ve only recently kind of gotten better. It’s something that’s still a curse to me. It’s not like that ever goes away… Whenever I do feel insecure, I go back to health. What can I do that’s healthy? Health is what’s important, not appearance. That mentality is what takes me out of the insecure, anxious thoughts.”

On seeking stability: “I’ve always, always wanted nothing more than stability. Moving around throughout my whole childhood was a bit traumatic. You’re constantly saying goodbye to people, and you’re constantly being removed from your identity. When you start to feel like you’re connecting with a group of people, an environment, and a home – a physical home – it can be destabilizing when you’re uprooted and taken somewhere else.”

On aiming to be the role model she wish she had: “It’s health that’s important, not appearance. I make choices that are good for me – and not just in my body – but for my soul, for my mind. And sometimes that’s eating ice cream because I want to eat ice cream.”

For more from Camila, visit WomensHealthMag.com.