QueenB
WHO WAS THE PERSON IN YOUR LIFE WITH THE EATING DISORDER?
WAS THERE A TIME WHEN YOU FELT LIKE RECOVERY WOULD NEVER HAPPEN?
- Absolutely, it seemed impossible at first and as we went along and hit bumps in the road I often felt my fight was futile. My girl simply could not get better, neither did she have the desire to.
was recovery smooth and linear? or difficult and rocky?
- Unbelievably rocky, it got easier as we went along and I became more confident at being persistent and laying down boundaries and also as nutrition helped my d to think more clearly.
WERE THERE ANY THINGS THAT MADE THE PATH TOWARDS RECOVERY EASIER?
- Support from [our] parents who had walked the path before me with success. Without that support I’m not sure where we’d be now.
HOW IS YOUR LIFE DIFFERENT NOW THAT THE ED IS BEHIND YOU?
- I’m older, poorer (it’s an expensive illness, partly the food, the treatment etc. Also lost earnings when I had to look after her 24/7
ADVICE I WOULD SHARE WITH SOMEONE WHO WAS STRUGGLING WITH AN EATING DISORDER:
- Food is the medicine. The ED wants your person to starve. Feed until the brain is better and the ED chased away. Then feed some more.
- Don’t imagine the professionals completely understand eating disorders, use logic, advocate hard if you believe a doctor wrong and be aware how much the brain needs fat.
- Forget your ideas of health and concentrate on food for brain healing.
ADVICE I WOULD SHARE WITH THE *FAMILY* OF SOMEONE WHO WAS STRUGGLING WITH AN EATING DISORDER:
- Food is medicine, it’s a marathon not a sprint and you need support yourself.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE, OR THAT IT WILL EVER HAPPEN?
- It can but it takes time, more time than any professional will know. More food than you can imagine and a lot of rest and recuperation. Recovery is possible.
HAVE YOU COME ACROSS ANY QUOTES THAT HAVE BEEN HELPFUL (OR DO YOU HAVE ANY OF YOUR OWN)?
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?