Kate Reid, founder of the renowned Lune bakery chain, has opened up about her harrowing experience with anorexia, likening her struggle to a bushfire that scorched her vitality and happiness. In her recent memoir, Destination Moon, and during an interview on the podcast Neil Mitchell Asks Why?, Reid candidly shares her journey of battling this severe eating disorder, which has left lasting scars on her life.
Reid’s battle with anorexia reached its lowest point when her weight plummeted to a mere 40 kilograms. Despite her recovery, she remains acutely aware of her relationship with food and exercise, often feeling guilty after moments of indulgence. "Anorexia tore through me like a bushfire," she reflects, noting that while it ravaged her life, moments of recovery can also lead to new growth.
From an early age, Reid’s passion for food led her to work in various cafés, and eventually, she established Lune, famous for its croissants, which were hailed as the "world’s best" by the New York Times. Despite her culinary successes, her struggle with anorexia continued; she often sought the workplace as a way to be surrounded by food while resisting the urge to eat. This self-imposed challenge of not eating throughout long shifts provided a sense of success distorted by her condition.
Reid acknowledges that many individuals grappling with anorexia have similar relationships with food. She recounts receiving messages from parents of daughters battling the disorder, often highlighting their children’s obsession with cooking or baking as a coping mechanism.
Her health crisis began while she was living in the UK, culminating in a dire admonition from doctors; her life was in jeopardy without immediate treatment. She poignantly discusses her suicidal thoughts during this dark period and underscores that anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Reid’s experiences spotlight how critical it is for friends and family to provide support rather than engage in conflict, as this can create a safe environment for healing.
Reid’s struggle also revealed the complexities surrounding eating disorders. She notes that many misconceptions exist regarding their origins; while body image issues are often cited, a fundamental desire for control frequently drives anorexia. In her eyes, controlling food intake becomes an apparent way to reclaim agency in a chaotic life.
Despite the stigma surrounding mental health and eating disorders, Reid’s story aims to foster a better understanding of these issues. She highlights that around one million Australians experience some form of eating disorder and that the ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for deeper awareness, compassion, and support.
Her memoir, Destination Moon, serves not only as an account of her battle but as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. It emphasises the importance of understanding, nurturing, and seeking professional help in addressing these ailments.
For those needing support, resources such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue remain crucial.