If you live in or around Houston, Texas, please join me for a FREE event this Wednesday, January 13th. Details: http://www.jennischaefer.com/hello-wheres-jenni.htm
I am blessed to receive messages everyday from women and men who are facing and overcoming eating disorders. Many people want to share their stories and write books like I have done. I recently heard from Kate Le Page about her personal journey. With Kate's permission, I am going to share some of what she wrote to me:
"The past 6 years have seen me experience wonderful times of freedom from anorexia as well as periods of desperation and relapse. I see recovery as something I choose daily, to follow my menu plan, stick to my exercise contract, take my medication and continue working with my Cognitive Analytical therapist. Today, I read as much as I can about CBT and CAT approaches to recovery and have recently put together a book about my journey, entitled Goodbye Ana and have included information about what has helped me to remain well.
The main aim for writing the book is simply to educate and support those impacted by this parasitic disease. Chipmunka Publishing, who have kindly worked with me to create my book, specialize in promoting mental health awareness. My heart is to see the stigma and sense of taboo surrounding eating disorders, as well as mental illness in general, be eroded through sharing my story."
Thanks, Kate! Everyone's story is different and unique, so I think it is wonderful when others want to use their voices and share their perspectives of recovery and of being recovered. Of course, not everyone will want to share their story, and that is okay. Please check out " Share Your Story" on my website.
As always, post your comments here. Also, you might want to join in the recent discussion on Facebook --- amazing people have been sharing their stories all week with each other.
Hope to hear from you!
The main aim for writing the book is simply to educate and support those impacted by this parasitic disease. Chipmunka Publishing, who have kindly worked with me to create my book, specialize in promoting mental health awareness. My heart is to see the stigma and sense of taboo surrounding eating disorders, as well as mental illness in general, be eroded through sharing my story."
Thanks, Kate! Everyone's story is different and unique, so I think it is wonderful when others want to use their voices and share their perspectives of recovery and of being recovered. Of course, not everyone will want to share their story, and that is okay. Please check out " Share Your Story" on my website.
As always, post your comments here. Also, you might want to join in the recent discussion on Facebook --- amazing people have been sharing their stories all week with each other.
Hope to hear from you!
Jenni
Jenni,
I am a father from Michigan who was told over the holidays by my 26 year old daughter who lives in San Jose of her desease of Anorexia.
She has been consuming 600 calories for the last 6 months and currently weighs 79lbs and as you can imagine she is currently in a skeletal / life trengtening state.
I tried to get her to stay but she returned to Calif.
Immediately I booked a one way flight to San Jose to support her and attempt to facilitate efforts in getting her admitted to a Hospital as it was obvious she is in a life treatening condition.
After 3 weeks of research and support she finally agreed to be admitted to Lucile Packard Hospital where she is currently seeking treatment for this terrible desease.
I just finished your book "Life Without ED" along with several others.
Thanks for the book as it was truely enlightening as it is helping me to the best of my abilities to try to understand, although I know I never will.
I have been here now for 4 weeks and my resolve to support my daughter will be endless.
Again thanks for expressing your journey as it is providing me / us hope in our struggles.
Posted by: Steven Chase | January 26, 2010 at 12:27 AM