Meet Jason

Jason Wood turned his battle with orthorexia into a mission to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. His memoir, Starving for Survival, shares his recovery journey and has sparked honest conversations around eating disorders and grief.

Jason proudly serves on the boards of Running in Silence, Michigan Eating Disorder Alliance, and SoulPaws Recovery Project. He is also the Director of Community Engagement at ANAD, where he leads the organization’s new men’s peer support group.

Through speaking, writing, and community work, Jason helps others, especially men, feel seen, supported, and empowered to speak up, share their stories, and seek help.

When did you first realize something from your past (or even now) was affecting you?

Early in my eating disorder recovery journey, I began meeting with a therapist weekly. It was during those initial conversations that I began to fully comprehend the suppressed grief and pain I held onto for over two decades following my parents’ deaths and family trauma. Since coming to that realization, I spent the last five years learning, growing, and healing.

What are a few things that really helped you along the way?

In addition to open and honest conversations with my therapist and my husband, I found support in connecting with others who shared similar experiences. Listening and learning from other people’s challenges helped me better understand and process my own trauma. There is tremendous power in storytelling and in peer support. I’ve also found journaling to be a key exercise in healing from my trauma.

Journaling is a great outlet for me to share and work through my emotions while also practicing mindfulness.

What has healing meant to you, in your own words?

In healing, I’ve gotten my life and my identity back. I lost who I was for many years, often hiding in shame and behind masks. Healing has been the chance to get to know the real me and live that life to the fullest.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about living with trauma or mental health challenges?

I wish people understood that you never know who may be living with trauma or mental health challenges. There’s a misconception that individuals dealing with trauma or mental health challenges are non-functioning members of society who never leave their house and always appear sad. That’s the farthest thing from the truth! That’s why I think we could all stand to be a little more kind, patient, and understanding with each other. You never know what is happening beneath the surface or behind closed doors.

How has your understanding of trauma and recovery changed over time?

I’ve learned that trauma comes in many forms and that recovery will look different for everyone. For so long, I adhered to the stereotypes and myths around trauma and recovery, but I now realize the individual and personal nature of both. 

Can you share a moment when you felt proud of your healing progress?

I now have the opportunity to share my story with high school and college students in hopes of raising awareness and breaking the stigma. After nearly every event, a student will come up to me and share parts of their story with me. It’s in those moments that I’m really proud of the progress I’ve made to now be at a point where I can help others heal.

What role, if any, has therapy or support played in your journey?

Therapy and support, specifically peer support, have been cornerstones in my healing journey. I continue to meet with my therapist on a regular basis. I’m also active in peer support with my role at ANAD. I lead our men’s peer support group and cherish the community and connection it’s helped me create. It’s nice to know I’m never in this alone!

What advice would you give to someone just starting their healing journey?

You’re worth it! There are going to be great days during this journey and other days when the headwinds might get a little strong, but just keep pushing forward. You are stronger than you realize, you are never alone, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way! In fact, I encourage you to!

Follow Jason on Instagram: @jason.w.wood

Get his memoir on Amazon: Starving for Survival by Jason Wood