Annalise Mishler was dying.

At 5'6" she weighed just 60 pounds, and was beginning treatment at ACUTE, a center in Denver that works with severe eating disorders cases. But four years after being diagnosed with anorexia, doctors revealed that Annalise was actually suffering from ARFID, which stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.

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"[It's] different from anorexia in the sense that the restriction doesn't stem from a desire to lose weight and body dysmorphia isn't present," Annalise explains to Life & Style. "My particular case stemmed from a sexual abuse that left me anxious and experiencing sensory problems that were very present whenever I would eat. I didn't like the feeling of being 'full,' which I now know was linked to my assault."

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(Nov 2016-June 2017) it may not be #transformationtuesday but it is #humpday and despite the obvious physical change is an incredible mental change. i used to be scared to wear crop tops even tho i had an EIGHT pack because i worried that if i sat down my stomach would have rolls. (???) now, i weigh 60 pounds more and i wear a crop top more days than not and give zero fux. not only do i love my body more than ever and feel so much gratitude that i was able to live through 5 years of weighing less than half of what i should have, but i am determined to help anyone and everyone that is in the place that i was in the left photo and the second 2 photos. it's why i do what i do–why i put myself out there online on youtube and why i am transparent and vulnerable with countless strangers. i want to help as many people as i can. i was given a second (and third and fourth) chance at life because i have a purpose; that purpose is to spread awareness and help those who can't help themselves at the moment. my transformation video will be up on my youtube tonight. make sure to subscribe ✨🎥annie mishler

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With ACUTE's help, Annalise was able to work through the trauma she experienced and get her anxiety under control. "If you're suffering with an eating disorder, you need help," she says. "You need a therapist, a dietician, and probably a psychiatrist — a team of people who can advocate for you and help you with every single step of the way."

Now weighing 110 pounds, the California native shares before and after photos on her Instagram page to inspire others who might be going through a similar journey, though she's still in recovery. "Absolutely one of the hugest misconceptions is that people with eating disorders are vain, doing it for attention, or obsessed with their appearances," she reveals.

"I can say with 100% surety that people I met in eating disorder treatment are the best, brightest, most empathetic people I have ever been around… It's a REAL mental disease, not a 'diet'… these are all illnesses that one does not choose," she adds.

We're thrilled that Annalise has not only made tremendous progress in her recovery but that she's using the illness to help those who are also struggling.