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Kerry Washington has opened up about a private battle with disordered eating and deep mental-health pain, saying she reached a point of crisis before realizing she needed professional help. The Oscar-nominated actress described how her relationship with food and exercise became a dangerous way to avoid living — and how suicidal thoughts finally pushed her to seek treatment.
Kerry Washington reveals the turning point: mental health over food
The 49-year-old actress spoke candidly on Call Her Daddy with host Alex Cooper. She said it wasn’t the behavior around food that made her get help. It was the presence of suicidal thinking.
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She realized the struggle had become an emergency when she used food and exercise to escape life, not to live it. That realization, she explained, forced her to act.
How the disorder escalated: from college to crisis
Washington traced the worst phase of her eating issues back to college. That period, she said, was when the disorder was most severe. It was also when she first reached out for professional help.
- College marked the moment symptoms intensified.
- She entered treatment after recognizing the pattern was out of control.
- An urgent fear of self-harm made seeking care unavoidable.
Steps toward recovery: therapies and supports that helped
Her path out of the crisis included several layers of care. She described using a combination of individual and group therapy and working with a nutrition professional.
Types of support Washington used
- One-on-one psychotherapy to address thoughts and behaviors.
- Group therapy for community and accountability.
- Nutritional guidance to rebuild a healthy relationship with food.
She also shared a personal moment: confronting the intensity of her pain led her to pray for relief for the first time. That spiritual plea, she said, was part of what grounded her during recovery.
Advice to people and parents: trust instincts and seek help early
Washington urged anyone experiencing disordered eating or mental distress to act. She emphasized listening to your own instincts when something feels wrong.
- Trust your gut if you think you need help.
- Parents should follow instincts about a young person’s behavior.
- Don’t let others minimize your suffering.
If you are struggling, do not try to shoulder it alone. Symptoms can range across a spectrum. Any sign that food or exercise is taking you out of life deserves attention and care.
Immediate resources: where to turn in a crisis
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, seek emergency services right away. For confidential support in the United States, you can reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
The prior national number, 1-800-273-8255, remains available for those who prefer it.
