Episode 38: Overcoming Anorexia and Bingeing with Singer Songwriter Stella Angelika

Stella was born into a Greek Cypriot family – a culture that loves and celebrates food - and as a child she ate freely without issue. Stella’s real joy came from performing, grabbing every opportunity to perform both at home, and school.

Despite her burgeoning talent Stella experienced an acute awareness of any ways in which she might be different. As she grew older these feelings left her feeling completely out of control. Secondary school was traumatic but at sixteen Stella fell in love with classical singing and three years later won a place at The Royal Northern School of Music.

Stella aimed for perfection but leaving home coupled with her father’s cancer diagnosis and a relationship breakup sent her over the edge.

Desperate for some control over her mental state she restricted her food intake, an old habit, which became so bad in her second year it was suggested she return home to recover.

Periods of bingeing that she found terrifying and depression which nearly destroyed her followed as she struggled to get well. But with the help of her family, therapy and music she began to heal.

Tune in to hear Stella’s take on eating disorders and how singing and writing are the bedrock for her recovery.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:20] - Food is foe

• [09:30] - Anorexia

• [27:00] - Music and recovery

• [33:00] - Defences

CONNECT WITH STELLA ANGELIKA:

Stella’s Instagram @stellaangelikamusic

Stella’s TikTok @stellaangelika

Listen to Stella’s music here!

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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