Bulimia, Compulsive Exercise & Late Neurodivergence Diagnosis with Mel Nelson

In this episode, I'm joined by Mel Nelson, a qualified counsellor, Senior Counsellor at an eating disorder charity (SWEDA), and autism-informed practitioner, to discuss the intersection of undiagnosed neurodiversity, compulsive exercise, and eating disorder behaviours.Mel spent over 25 years working in the dance and fitness industry before retraining as a counsellor, and she brings together a really rare combination of lived experience and professional expertise. We got into some really honest territory in this one, and I think so many of you are going to hear yourselves in this conversation.In this episode, we cover:Why bulimia stays hidden for so long (and the shame that keeps it that way)The "fitting in" feeling and why it can make an eating disorder so hard to spotHow neurodivergence and eating disorders can look so similar from the outsideWhy routine isn't always just a neurodivergent thing (and how to tell the difference)What compulsive exercise and purging have more in common than people realiseThe late diagnosis that changed everything, and why it's never too lateWhy recovery sometimes has to start with the smallest of changesConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans PodcastFollow Full of Beans on InstagramCheck out our websiteListen on YouTubeConnect with Mel via her website (newday-counselling.co.uk) or Instagram (@newday_counselling)⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, compulsive exercise, bulimia, depression, and neurodivergence. Please look after yourself as you listen.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛