On My Time in Residential Treatment for My Eating Disorder
They say if you've met one person with autism, you've met exactly one person with autism. I feel that this statement can also be applied to those with eating disorders. Eating disorders are individual and manifest differently amongst various people. In fact, even those with the same diagnosed disorder(s) can present quite differently and the paths that got them there are vast. In addition, the journey that each takes towards recovery is personal and completely individual.
I was able to spend five weeks at an eating disorder residential treatment center. While there, I encountered many wonderful women who were influential in my recovery, and what was really neat, is that we were all in different parts of our recovery journeys, yet we were able to encourage each other and spur one another on. The amazing young women I lived with had a variety of experiences that brought them to where they were, yet, the wisdom that each shared from various points in their journeys were beneficial to other women in the house.
Take for example one woman who had been in a residential treatment seven or eight times throughout her life. Her diagnosis had changed throughout time and she even thought she had recovered at one point. Though her journey was grueling, she shared a common denominator with me of having difficult relationships with her mom and being motivated by children in her life. Another woman was finishing college and not sure what to do or where to go next. I developed a strong connection to her as I felt that I could mentor her in life, while she mutually mentored me in recovery. She was encouraging to me by being real, honest, and open about her struggles, not only with an eating disorder, but with mental illnesses and her family not understanding the battles that she faces daily. A third young woman was completely loving towards me right up front. She later said that I was the first person that she considered a friend at the treatment center and felt that she fit in when she was around me. She had a wealth of knowledge, both in recovery and in general facts.
These women were all in the house prior to my arrival. After I had been there for some time, they individually left and others were introduced to the house. The most notable woman for me who arrived after I did was also an intellect. She thought deeply, was reserved at some points, and loud at others, but always fun to be around. She has been someone that I could trust with my disappointments, my short-comings, and my frustrations. She likewise has been able to share parts of her story with me. We read each others' autobiographies and I feel that the connection from the two of us being open was incredibly beneficial as we spurred one another on towards recovery and other good things.
The people that I encountered during my time in treatment were all vastly different and completely individual, but I think that is the beautiful of it-- each was herself, and they were exactly what I needed to have in my life at that time. We are all still on this journey together and I am grateful to be in contact with many of the women that I lived with while in treatment. We are all unique and I think that speaks volumes to how crucial it is to have more recognition regarding eating disorders and educating people on them. Eating disorders can affect any person, man or woman, of any age, really, at any time. They don't discriminate amongst religion or education. Eating disorders are prevalent, but I firmly believe and have hope that what we do in community matters and can greatly influence recovery for ourselves, and others.
I was able to spend five weeks at an eating disorder residential treatment center. While there, I encountered many wonderful women who were influential in my recovery, and what was really neat, is that we were all in different parts of our recovery journeys, yet we were able to encourage each other and spur one another on. The amazing young women I lived with had a variety of experiences that brought them to where they were, yet, the wisdom that each shared from various points in their journeys were beneficial to other women in the house.
Take for example one woman who had been in a residential treatment seven or eight times throughout her life. Her diagnosis had changed throughout time and she even thought she had recovered at one point. Though her journey was grueling, she shared a common denominator with me of having difficult relationships with her mom and being motivated by children in her life. Another woman was finishing college and not sure what to do or where to go next. I developed a strong connection to her as I felt that I could mentor her in life, while she mutually mentored me in recovery. She was encouraging to me by being real, honest, and open about her struggles, not only with an eating disorder, but with mental illnesses and her family not understanding the battles that she faces daily. A third young woman was completely loving towards me right up front. She later said that I was the first person that she considered a friend at the treatment center and felt that she fit in when she was around me. She had a wealth of knowledge, both in recovery and in general facts.
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The people that I encountered during my time in treatment were all vastly different and completely individual, but I think that is the beautiful of it-- each was herself, and they were exactly what I needed to have in my life at that time. We are all still on this journey together and I am grateful to be in contact with many of the women that I lived with while in treatment. We are all unique and I think that speaks volumes to how crucial it is to have more recognition regarding eating disorders and educating people on them. Eating disorders can affect any person, man or woman, of any age, really, at any time. They don't discriminate amongst religion or education. Eating disorders are prevalent, but I firmly believe and have hope that what we do in community matters and can greatly influence recovery for ourselves, and others.
I started this blog as a memoir to share some of my life stories with you. My goal is that these encourage and educate you on how to live a more joyful, healthier, full life; one of hope.
I write about my fascination with whole foods, my love of Jesus, my struggles, my childhood stories, my passion for education, and my devotion to creating a healthy life (body, mind, and spirit) for every person in the world.
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