Recovery is Happening
Question:
Hi, I am a 23 year old nursing student and I have been battling
bulemia for about 10 years, also struggling with anorexia. I have
been hospitalized twice, am still in group therapy and all that
I can say is thank you. I have no real questions.
I wanted to send some inspiring words. It takes self-motivation,
dedication , and a lot of anger, frustration , and tears to battle
my eating disorders. Now that the actual food is not an issue, I
can honestly say that I am able to feel, like myself, and enjoy
my life. There are many aspects of my life that are complete, yet
the missing puzzle is still love for myself. I know that love shall
come. I know that I deserve it, yet why is it so hard to give myself?
Recovery is happening for me, and I believe that recovery will
happen. It is a long battle, but now I know my life is worth it,
and I am going to do all that I can to better my life, and that
includes being able to love myself for who I am.
Answer:
Thank you for sharing your struggle, your success and your optimism.
Eating disorders are so dangerous, stressful and persistent that
people who are dealing with anorexia or bulimia or compulsive eating
problems and their family and friends often feel discouraged. It
is wonderful to be reminded that it is possible to live with food
as a non-issue. Recovery does happen.
You have identified some of the key elements of your recovery process:
determination and a willingness to deal with some intense feelings
as you battle your eating disorder. Now you are also able to feel
a whole spectrum of positive feelings, able to be in touch with
yourself and able to enjoy life.
Being able to love yourself for who you are is something everyone
needs, yet it can be difficult to attain and maintain. Many people
believe that it is necessary to be self-critical in order to progress
toward important goals, but when striving for growth is not balanced
by self-acceptance, the joy of the journey is missed, and goals
attained are unsatisfying.
Your choice of a helping profession and generosity to others struggling
with eating disorders in writing to this column suggests to me that
you may find it easier to give to others than to yourself. You may
find it helpful to try to treat yourself as you treat others. See
if you can offer yourself the acceptance, appreciation and love
you would give to a friend like you. You really do deserve it.
Thanks again for writing.
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