I want to take a moment to thank you guys for the overwhelming response I've had over the past few days! I've gotten a number of comments on various sites, like this blog and Google Plus, and some private messages on Facebook from readers encouraging me and telling me how much I have helped them and the hope I have provided. It has been difficult since I'm officially in relapse, but you guys have totally shown me that I have people who believe in me to cheer me on! It's so great to hear from you all and thank you so much.
Now, secondly, we have a wonderful opportunity to help in the fight against Eating Disorders! My home treatment center in Kansas City, Renew Counseling Center, is working with the National Eating Disorders Association to help raise money through a walk in June. This is very close to home for Renew, as recently one of the counselors daughters died in eating disorder treatment. As much as I hate to say it, within 10 years of the onset of their ED, 1 in 10 sufferers will die of medical complications and 1 in 10 will commit suicide. Overall, 1/3 of ED sufferers will die as a result of their ED! Serious and scary stuff.
The NEDA is a wonderful organization (like their facebook page HERE) that helps raise awareness of EDs and runs a hotline where people can call to get help for their ED and for suicide prevention.
My mom, dad, sister, and I are all participating in the KC walk with the NEDA and are hoping to raise a total of $20,000 to help fight Eating Disorders! Please, if you feel compelled, follow this link (DONATE HERE) and click on the Support Me button on the right. $30 provides 30 minutes on the NEDA hotline, $50 provides 20 CD-ROMS and toolkits for parents/volunteers/teachers/educators, and $250 will pay for a full day of operation for the Proud2BMe.org website which promotes teen confidence across America.
$5 funding 5 minutes on the NEDA Hotline can save a life!
So if you feel compelled, remember to follow the link http://neda.nationaleatingdisorders.org/site/TR/NEDAWalk/General?px=1408902&pg=personal&fr_id=2820 to support the fight against Eating Disorders!
Thanks again for all you wonderful readers, supporters, lovers, and fighters. I know that together we can move forward and win this fight!
You know... you are still every bit as supportive and helpful to all of us now that you are officially in relapse as you were before your therapist uttered those words. As a person who tends to look at things in a "from-this-moment-on" way myself, I usually put a lot of stock in "official" diagnoses, if you get what I'm saying. Just because your therapist said the words "you're in relapse" (or whatever words were said) doesn't mean you're any less legit in your words, in your struggle, in your intentions than you were the day, week, month before that.
ReplyDeleteRelapses happen. They happen all the time. I'm not saying it's okay or good or anything, but it's not like anyone is going to suddenly think "Oh she's a hypocrite!" about anything you post from here on out. And if anyone does think that, then they clearly are the hypocrite. Relapses are part of recovery, from what I've heard! Comes with the territory!
I'm not going to tell you "just try to get back out of it..." or "it's all going to be fine...." or "it's just a little relapse" because the thing to do at this point is to go FORWARD not back. And I hate the word "just." It over simplifies everything. Anyway.. sorry for rambling. The short story is: you're great, you're brave, you're wonderful, I'm incredibly thankful for you & your blog and we are all here for you!!! xoxoxo
well said! take good care sister. looking forward to more of your posts. will see about donating too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kate S! I totally see what you're saying, and no worries about rambling =) I ramble too all the time! And thanks so much starrymaze!
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