Lindsay Ell Reflects On Her 'Denial' Of Her Eating Disorder Amid Recovery

Lindsay Ell is opening up for the first time about her recently-diagnosed eating disorder, and hopes to inspire others as she remains open about her steps to recovery.

Ell spoke about her eating disorder on a new episode of Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe. The “Canadian gal turned Nashville star” spoke with podcast host Kaitlyn Bristowe about a recent trip with her boyfriend, joining Shania Twain on tour this year, body image, self love and more. Following the podcast episode that made its debut earlier this month (warning: language, eating disorders), Ell opted to turn to Instagram to further elaborate on what she’s going through.

“I got diagnosed with an eating disorder a few weeks ago, and have come to terms that it’s something I have been living in denial of for the better part of 20 years,” Ell wrote in her post. “I always told myself that an eating disorder would look like ‘that kind of body’ and that there’s no way I could have one because I didn’t look like that. I told myself that the way I was living was fine because it was just part of my career…

“But it got to the point where it felt like it was taking over my life, and I no longer had control over what I ate or didn’t eat in the shadows,” she continued. “I got really good at pretending that everything was ok out in public but at home I was shriveling up.”

Ell said that eating disorders are “flags to the need for deeper work,” and pledged to share more about her journey of recovery along the way (though she admits, she doesn’t know fully what that looks like). She pointed her followers to the Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe podcast episode for more.

“I’m telling you all this because I know that it is the stories I hear that inspire me to be a better person,” Ell wrote in her Instagram caption. “I hope in sharing this and my journey as I go along it, will inspire you to be honest with yourself - with what you’re feeling and what you’re going through. Regardless of what that may be. Sometimes it’s so easy to take care of everyone else but yourself. Hopefully you won’t need to live 20 years feeling something that you never deal with.

“So, this is where I’m at. With my hand on my heart… 🤍 And hopefully I can take you along the road as I learn.”

Ell’s story quickly garnered supportive comments from hundreds of Instagram users, including other artists. Some who offered love and support include Little Big Town, Carly Pearce, Cassadee Pope, Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride and more. Maren Morris said she “can’t imagine how difficult this was to share with the world but you are helping people by doing so. So proud of your journey!”

Bristowe added in the comments, after talking with Ell on her podcast: “I love you, your honesty, and your heart so much. I’m always here for you as I have struggled too. ❤️❤️”

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, call the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at 1-800-931-2237 or visit NationalEatingDisorders.org for more information.