How a Canadian cliff diver used empowering messages to help overcome mental health struggle

Several years ago, Molly Carlson enjoyed posting "perfectly captured and edited pictures" to her Instagram account.

Faking, she says, almost a perfect life.

But Carlson developed a binge-eating disorder before Canada's 2016 Olympic diving trials while struggling with anxiety and body dysmorphia disorder, a condition that constantly had her thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in her appearance.

Carlson limited herself to 300 calories a day at least five days a week, threw breakfast prepared by her mother on the floor and ate three almonds for lunch.

WATCH | Molly Carlson shares struggles with anxiety, and overcoming:

Cliff diver Molly Carlson talks about the importance of staying authentic

Unsuccessful in qualifying for the Summer Games in Rio by two spots, the disappointment revealed Carlson's silent struggle with mental health but led to her seeking help for the disordered eating and prioritizing her well-being.

The Thunder Bay, Ont.-born athlete began studies that fall at Florida State University in Tallahassee, where she worked with diving coach John Proctor, who appreciated the energy Carlson brought to practice and was supportive during her mental health struggles.

"I had a tough high school journey with disordered eating and body image," Carlson told Mariam Kourabi this week at CBC Sports headquarters in Toronto. "I struggled accepting myself as a taller [five-foot-nine] diver.

"John said, 'You're so much more than your body. You're a positive person, and the judges can feel that.'"

WATCH | Carlson races Canadian swimming star Summer McIntosh:

'She's being so dramatic': Summer McIntosh races high diver Molly Carlson

Four years later, Carlson left FSU as one of the most accomplished divers