“One of the greatest gifts of making it through is being able to turn around and share the hope I couldn’t see possible,” the actress wrote in her Sept. 17 Instagram post
Credit: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
NEED TO KNOW
- Brittany Snow commemorated her 17-year recovery journey from an eating disorder
- “Somewhere underneath the noise, there was a tiny voice inside me that kept saying: don’t give up,” she wrote in a Sept. 17 Instagram post
- She concluded her message by reminding those who are currently struggling with eating disorders to persevere and believe in the possibility of a better future
Brittany Snow is marking a new milestone in her eating disorder recovery.
The Hunting Wives actress, 40, announced that 17 years ago she “made the decision to stop hurting” herself and began her recovery journey, in a Thursday, Sept. 17 Instagram post. “The day I chose to bet on myself, even when I couldn’t yet imagine what a life on the other side might look like,” she wrote.
“Seventeen years ago, I didn’t know if I would make it. I couldn’t see a future, and I certainly couldn’t imagine one where I would learn to be kind to myself,” the Hairspray actress wrote.
“If someone had told me then that I would not only live, but one day have a beautiful, full life, free from the cycle of self-destruction and my eating disorder… I truly don’t think I would have believed them,” she admitted.
Credit: Brittany Snow/Instagram
She credited her friends for their help and her family’s affection during the decision-making process. “Somewhere underneath the noise, there was a tiny voice inside me that kept saying: don’t give up,” she wrote. “There is so much more to your story.”
Snow added, “There was so much beauty ahead that I couldn’t see yet. So much love. And one of the greatest gifts of making it through is being able to turn around and share the hope I couldn’t see possible.”
Credit: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
Snow concluded her post by reminding those who are also struggling that they are not alone. “So many people have stood where you are standing. There is life beyond the place you are in today, even if you can’t picture it yet,” she wrote. “One day, the story you fought so hard to keep living may become the very story someone else needs to hear. I’m 17 years on the other side today. I’m so grateful I stayed.”
She also tagged several organizations that assist with mental health, including Bring Change to Mind (BC2M), National Alliance for Eating Disorders, September Letters, Make Sure Your Friends Are Okay and The Mental Health Coalition.
The Beast in Me actress has consistently opened up about her experience with mental health and eating disorders. She underwent treatments for anorexia, exercise bulimia, depression and self-harm, she told Self in November 2025. “I had so much disdain for my body and I couldn’t see myself as a functional, beautiful being. I only saw the things that were wrong with me,” she said.
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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.
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.
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