by Liz LeRoux
Eating disorders destroy lives.
It’s that simple whether you die from them, or you lead a life of seclusion in constant fear of your weight. I’m a recovering anorexic and it destroyed my life. I was hospitalized many times and went to treatment twice. I just wasn’t ready to get well. I lived a life of isolation, depression, anxiety, pain and loneliness. I finally hit rock bottom when my marriage fell apart. I knew I had to get healthy and I knew that God had bigger dream for me. I am now almost at my goal weight, have gotten my medications rights, and for the first time in 20 years I feel happy, healthy, committed and strong.
I didn’t get to recovery easily and I still have issues with food. I will probably have that problem for some time. I had a great team working for me: a therapist, a psychiatrist, a nutritionist, and a doctor. I also had the love and support of my family. Although they were loving and supportive, they were also scared. So was I. This was a total change from the life I’d been living for 20 years; if you can really say I had a life.
If you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you know someone who is, my best advice is to seek help. Remember God has bigger and better plans for you. If you know someone with an eating disorder, help them find that help. Love and support them, but don’t be a doormat. Encourage them to live a new life. A life that is happy thrilling, and wonderful. Walk with them, force them to see the people they need to see to aid them in their recovery. Do anything you can do to get them back into life. Because when you are in recovery, whether through many of the treatment centers or with a good team, your life can truly change.
Liz LeRoux
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the submitter. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the board of directors or members of the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness.