Kerry Washington Had a ‘Toxic’ Eating Disorder

Kerry Washington is opening up about a past eating disorder. The Little Fires Everywhere star told Good Morning America's Robin Roberts in an interview for an upcoming 20/20 special this Sunday (September 24) about how she contemplated suicide at the height of her disorder. Washington, 46, recalled via an excerpt from her new memoir Thicker Than Water the relationship she had with food and her body during her college years at George Washington University. She said it had "become a toxic cycle of self-abuse that utilized the tools of starvation, binge eating, body obsession, and compulsive exercise."

"I could feel how the abuse was a way to really hurt myself as if I didn’t want to be here," Washington said in her interview preview shared Thursday. At the time, she was scared she didn't want to be here because she was in "so much pain." Roberts asked if she considered suicide, to which Washington responded, “Yeah," adding her behavior was "tiny little acts of trying to destroy myself." When her disorder spiraled out of control, Kerry admitted she would pray. This was her first time praying as she struggled to maintain her "perfect" image.

Kerry was getting good at being "perfect." She stated she was good at control, partying all night, drinking, smoking, and having sex, and "still show[ing] up and have good grades." The Django Unchained actress was so high-functioning she knew how to manage. However, it was the food that took her out. She developed body dysmorphia and body hatred that were beyond her control. This led the actress desperate for help from someone or something bigger than her because she didn't know how to live with the disorder and all that came with it.

Washington shared that while she is in a much better place now with her eating disorder, she still has to "check myself." The usually private Washington says she is sharing her story now "with purpose." Thicker Than Water releases on Tuesday, September 26.

When it comes to our skin's appearance, many factors are out of our control. Many people are struggling with issues pertaining to their skin. For some, certain skin conditions can be hidden away or managed. But for others, there is no hiding something on your face. Even the rich and famous deal with suffering from a skin condition. Sometimes, seeing a celebrity be open and offer a positive approach to dealing with skin issues may be helpful to those who are experiencing the same issues.

Common skin conditions include acne, contact dermatitis (rash), atopic dermatitis (also called eczema), rosacea, warts and moles, hyperpigmentation, and psoriasis. Skin disorders such as acne and eczema vary greatly in symptoms and severity. Eczema is characterized by yellow or white scaly patches that flake off. Affected areas may be itchy, greasy, or oily, and hair loss may also occur in the area with the rash. Psoriasis, however, is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid buildup of your skin cells. This buildup of cells causes scaling on your skin’s surface. Inflammation and redness around the scales are fairly common, and sometimes, these patches crack and bleed.

When it comes to the chronic skin disease rosacea, the skin goes through cycles of fading and relapse. Rosacea’s trademark symptom is small, red, pus-filled bumps on the skin that are present during flare-ups. Typically, rosacea affects only the skin on your nose, cheeks, and forehead. The cause of rosacea is still unknown, and there is no cure. Meanwhile, vitiligo is characterized by loss of pigment in the skin due to autoimmune destruction of the cells that give skin its color. These cells, called melanocytes, no longer produce skin pigment or melanin, causing areas of your skin to lose color or turn white.

Per Healthline, skin conditions can be temporary or permanent and painless or painful. Some can be life-threatening. Some skin disorders have situational causes, such as high stress, while others may be genetic.

Take a look below at which celebrities have opened up about their skin conditions and even become advocates.