I just received a fantastic update from one of the contributors to Restoring Our Bodies, Reclaiming Our Lives. Liana was born in Estonia and received treatment for her eating disorder in Germany. She writes:
After 6 years of severe anorexia , I ve been stable ever since my decision to recover, with not even a thought of relapse. I completely rebuilt my life from scratch, earned an MBA in one of the top schools in Europe and now work in mid management. To think that doctors were right and I could have been dead within months before I decided to recover, makes me sad, as I know how many girls out there are scared, lonely and have no one to talk to.
I wish we could prosecute eating disorders, as we do criminals, for robbing so many smart, sensitive, and deeply beautiful human beings of their lives and livelihoods. Liana's phrase "decided to recover" may make it sound a bit too easy, as if all that's involved is a simple decision, but as anyone who's been through it knows, there is nothing simple or easy about making that essential decision. It's like "deciding" to fight off an armed assailant. But oh the feeling when you fight and win!
Thank you so much! This post inspired my blog for today! It's a breathtaking statement!
http://daisygatsby.com/
Posted by: amy | July 03, 2011 at 07:49 PM
So happy to inspire you, Amy!
Your Bluebeard blog presents a gripping and original way to analogize eating disorders and recovery.
Thank you for bending my mind!
Posted by: Aimee | July 03, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Prosecute eating disorders... I love it =)
I think I prefer the analogy of deciding to finally liberate oneself from an abusive friend or significant other, but perhaps the armed assailant better demonstrates the dangers and the necessity for escape!
Posted by: Matt Wetsel | July 07, 2011 at 07:07 AM
Thank you for this post! I am in the middle of that recovering/recovered window where it's almost as if I'm watching myself wondering how I could be the same once healthy little girl, crazy sick teen and young adult and once again happy, satisfied, growing woman. Praise the Lord!
http://www.benjity.wordpress.com
Posted by: abby | July 07, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Thank you so much for this post. I have been in recovery from my bulimia for eight years now. Eight years of a fabulous adventure, free from addiction. I thought it was interesting, your idea of prosecuting the eating disorder. I've always said - addiction is a thief. It robs us of everything good.
You might like my article on my website from end May that touches on that very subject.
http://www.jeniferbeaudean.com/2011/05/the-truth-about-lies/
Posted by: Jenifer Beaudean | July 12, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Eating Disorders are a serious problem. What most people do not understand is that finding help and calling a therapist can sometimes be the hardest, but most important, part of recovery.
Posted by: Mental Health Specialist | July 24, 2011 at 08:39 PM