Mental Note Understanding ARFID and OCD: Crystal Weidman's Journey Through Fear, Recovery, and Hope
Dec 11, 2025
27:50
For most of her life, science teacher and meteorologist Crystal Weidman was labeled a "picky eater." While friends and family fixated on her unique food rules, they completely missed the clues that something more serious was to blame.
In this episode Crystal shares her story of navigating ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) along with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). This conversation sheds light on what ARFID really is (and isn't), why recovery is rarely linear, and how community and self-compassion can transform a life.
Whether you're familiar with ARFID or hearing about it for the first time, Crystal's story offers connection, clarity, and hope.
Links
- Mental Note Podcast www.mentalnotepodcast.com
- Other episodes about ARFID:
- What is ARFID Anyway? Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder with Dr. Michelle Jones - Click here for episode.
- Is It Picky Eating or Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)? - Click here for episode.
- Overview of ARFID (Overview, Resources, Quiz, FAQ, and more): www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/conditions/arfid
- Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com
- Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com
- Free Group Support: www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups
- Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199