Ep 1. Starving in Suburbia

In the first episode of Starving in Suburbia, we are introduced to 17-year-old Hannah, who is struggling with an eating disorder. Hannah is a typical suburban teenager living with her parents and younger brother in a spacious home in a well-manicured neighborhood. But behind closed doors, Hannah is consumed with thoughts of food, and her obsession with being thin has spiraled out of control.

Hannah's mother, Nina, is a typical suburban soccer mom who is unaware of her daughter's struggles. She spends her days running errands and attending community events, and is more concerned with maintaining the image of the perfect family than delving into her daughter's issues. Hannah's father, Jeff, is a successful businessman who is often traveling and absent from the daily family commotion.

Hannah's eating disorder has led her to isolate herself from her close group of friends, and she spends most of her time alone, scrolling on social media and obsessing over images of thin models and beauty bloggers. To make matters worse, Hannah's younger brother has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness, adding even more stress to the family dynamic.

As Hannah's eating disorder continues to worsen, she begins to attend a support group for those struggling with similar issues. It is here where she meets Tess, a bubbly and outgoing girl who has also battled an eating disorder in the past. Tess takes Hannah under her wing and becomes a shoulder to lean on, offering her guidance and support throughout her journey to recovery.

Hannah soon realizes that her eating disorder is not just about food, but rather a symptom of deeper emotional trauma she has been suppressing for years. Through therapy and the support of her family, friends, and support group, Hannah begins to confront her issues and work towards a healthier relationship with food and her body.

Throughout the episode, we see the stark contrast between the pristine suburban facade and the messy realities of mental illness and family dynamics. Starving in Suburbia presents a unique and intimate look into the life of a teenager struggling with an eating disorder, shedding light on a topic that is often stigmatized and misunderstood.