Marine Veteran Shares Her Battle Against An Eating Disorder

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

By Anna Conkey, Maureen Cavanaugh

Aired 4/5/16 on KPBS Midday Edition

GUEST:

Theresa Larson, author, "Warrior: A Memoir"

Transcript for audioclip 28701

Book Signing

What: Theresa Larson's "Warrior"

When: Saturday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Warwick's La Jolla

In her memoir “Warrior,” Marine Lt. Theresa Larson of San Diego redefines the meaning of a warrior and the stereotypes behind it.

Larson describes her experience as a female officer and her battle with an eating disorder.

The memoir brings up questions regarding the military’s current policies in dealing with service members who struggle with mental illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia. Larson said asking for help eventually ended her military career.

"All of a sudden, this stellar lieutenant becomes kind of looked down upon — like I was a disappointment," Larson told KPBS Midday Edition on Tuesday.

But she doesn't blame the military.

"They just didn't understand," Larson said.

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