Stories of Recovery From Eating Disorders Give Others Hope
It’s time to celebrate those who have done the hard work to heal from eating disorders and turned their lives around. National Recovery Month has inspired millions of people in the U.S., raising awareness about behavioral disorders. This year, the theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery!” To encourage others that are still in need of services and support, SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, asks people to share their personal stories of recovery. Even if you aren’t as far along in your journey as you would like, you can draw inspiration from the tales these survivors tell.
You Are Not Alone
All across the country, during the month of September, people in recovery will be telling their success stories and sharing them with others in an effort to educate the public about treatment, how it works, and how it’s helped them. Because they often go unnoticed by the mainstream media, the personal confessions featured in SAMHSA’s Voices for Recovery campaign will provide an important opportunity for people to share their personal stories and strategies. You can also expect to see more on the Internet from people that regularly write about eating disorder treatments.
“I will begin with letting you know that recovery is possible. I am living proof of this. I have battled and am currently in recovery from both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. I, too, just as you may, believed that recovery was an impossible goal that I would never attain. However, I want to emphasize that recovery is possible. Throughout my recovery, I have met many amazing individuals, read several insightful books, and learned coping skills for which I am incredibly thankful.”
Recovery Month Offers Confessions from Eating Disorder Patients
– My Journey to Recovery: A Story of Healing, by April Ballard Warren
“This journey has taught me so much, but I think the most important lesson is that I could never have done this alone. At times I wanted to, trust me, but it is so much easier when you have people helping you mend the broken pieces. I have to thank myself, for fighting the good fight – for my honestly, my strength, my bravery, and my ability to finally be able to say that I’m winning the war. Recovery is amazing.”
-Lizzie E., author of the popular blog, This Is Where I Stand
Everyone’s Life is a Story
How does your story compare to these? SAMSA defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” Sounds wonderful, right? If you have struggled to recover from an eating disorder, chances are you know just how difficult this process can be. Fortunately, there are many treatment and recovery options now for eating disorders, and it’s great to know that outstanding resources are available.
Each Person’s Journey to Recovery is Unique
As an established leader in the field of eating disorder residential treatment for more than 18 years, Center for Discovery has helped many people that were struggling with bulimia, anorexia, binge eating and another type of disordered eating. Our personalized multi-faceted programs are tailored to fit the specific needs of women, boys, and teenage girls. So we have collected many stories of success over the years, too. One woman said, “Center for Discovery taught me that it’s ok to struggle, it’s also ok to be honest. I learned I was not alone in this fight.” Another woman described her treatment program this way: “It saved my life and my relationships. It gave me a second chance to live my life. It changed my outlook on life.”
Ready to Add Your Voice?
Center for Discovery urges you to get involved and explore the many resources that will be highlighted this month. Stories of recovery can have a powerful positive effect on families that are battling eating disorders. You can email your own story and be included in SAMHSA’s outreach efforts by applying on the Recovery Month website, at www.recoverymonth.gov. You can also see the agency’s Voices of Recovery videos on YouTube.com. More than 200 federal, state, and local government entities, as well as nonprofit organizations and associations affiliated with prevention, treatment, and recovery of behavior disorders will also be participating.
You Don’t Have to be Perfect
If you are still feeling overwhelmed by the symptoms of an eating disorder, it may help to remember that recovery isn’t limited to people that have learned how to be perfect. Recovery isn’t about perfection. It’s about getting the help you need to heal from an eating disorder. Getting that help may be the most important step. As Lizzie E. says. “Please reach out to seek help. It is never too late to begin your life. I feel like life was on pause and has been here around me the entire time while I was living as a prisoner to anorexia and bulimia. I have a restored appreciation for the beauty of life and all that surrounds me every day. I am truly thankful for the moments in life in which I am actually able to be present again and enjoy.”
Need More Help?
Call Center for Discovery now at 800.760.3934. If you are struggling with your recovery, or need treatment, don’t hesitate to call Center for Discovery immediately with any questions. Call now and speak to one of our highly trained admission specialists today. Or fill out this form for a FREE assessment. All calls are completely FREE and strictly confidential. Center for Discovery’s integrated and personalized behavior modification programs offer years of experience in successfully helping clients and their families develop effective strategies for recovery from eating disorders.
Sources
SAMHSA: Voices of Recovery. Retrieved Sept 2, 2016.
RecoveryMonth.gov. National Recovery Month Toolkit. Retrieved Sept 2, 2016.
Purple Love 2016: Voices In Recovery. Retrieved Sept 2, 2016.
My Journey to Recovery: A Story of Healing, by April Ballard Warren
Voices of an eating disorder, by Colleen Thompson
Huffington Post: Celebrating National Recovery Month, by Jason Wahler