I think I have a secret. I don't mean to have a secret but I think I have one nonetheless.
Are you ready? Here it is:
Recovery is possible. It's hard. But it's possible.
A student at a high school told me last week that recovery wasn't possible. She told me that, because she had never seen someone who had completely recovered, I couldn't be. I told her she was wrong.
I don't know how to explain that difference between "in recovery" and "recovered." I've tried multiple times, in different ways (I'll save that for a later post), but the only thing I know for sure is that I have turned the corner and am no longer "in recovery." I am RECOVERED.
I have too many friends who suffer. I write this post for them. I want them to know that it is possible. I don't want to lose my friends to an eating disorder, especially when recovery could be right around the next corner for each one of them. It will never be enough to just hope for recovery; it has to be an active process. But if you work for it, you will get there. They will get there.
The problem, as I see it, is that not everyone can pay for treatment. I was fortunate---my parents were able to provide me with the best doctors and the best care. But not everyone can do that. In a world of HMOs and insurance companies, too many people go without the care that they desperately need because they simply can't afford it. I want to save the world. But the world might be a lofty goal. Maybe I can just save a few individuals.
I have to think about the way to do it. Maybe it's a foundation that provides scholarships for treatment (there are too few scholarships out there). Maybe it's just by talking at schools the way that I have been doing. Maybe it's about sharing my secret. I'll start with just one way. I say it again: Recovery is possible.
There it is. I guess now the secret's out...
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5 comments:
YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!
Beautifully written message of hope while acknowledging the complexity of the problem of, and the recovery from, eating disorders. I have often asked, and never figured out, why bad things happen to good people and why some individuals seem to sail through life untouched by much while others must struggle continually with often terrible physical and emotional burdens.
The idea of a foundation to provide finanacial support for those who cannot afford necessary (and expensive) treatment is an excellent one - Is Bill Gates looking for another good cause to support?
Meanwhile, continue to spread your "secret" that recovery is possible through your blog and speaking engagements, especially to reach the vulnerable pre-teen and teen age female audience. And, it seems like time for another another book, non-fiction, that tells about your strugglles and victory over this insidious disorder.
This is fantastic, Leslie! I hope you know how many amazing things you are doing and how incredible you are. You know I owe a lot of my recovery to you...to your book and your friendship, but I'll put it here as proof. I'm in on the secret: you CAN recover
Hi there.
I just read your book, and then I decided to find out about you. Its always something different to know if an author has 'been there' or not.
But, aside from that - I don't know what to say.
I go back and forth on the day as to weather I believe recovery is possible. On days when it seems so hard and pointless to fight - I say - well, you can't recover, you can only manage. I remember doctors who told me I'd never have a life outside this (they also said I'd never have a life outside the hospital, but here I am - could they, indeed, be wrong?). I don't know - but your certainty. It makes me think - you know, she might be right. I have tasted recovery. I worked harder than I ever have to beat a twelve year battle with self injury - and succeeded. I just celebrated three years injury free - and BELIEVE, really and truly, I am recovered. From that. ED's are... something else. But maybe, maybe - they too can be put to rest.
I imagine it is years in the coming. But... one day.
Obviously you didn't need all this pointless comment & backstory, but I'm in a writing mood.
What I meant was - thank you. I'd never realized that there are people out there fighting eating disorders - besides the ones as have them, I mean.
Its a different approach, I imagine.
Take care. And keep writing.
Sarah: Recovery is most certainly possible. I know it with every fiber of my being. We CAN do it.
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