Hi Everyone :wave:

I wanted to stop by because I wanted to spread some encouragement and let you all know there really is life without an eating disorder. I had struggled with a chronic eating disorder (for 12 years). During this time I had done it all, seen it all, and been in more treatment imaginable. At times it seemed hopeless, at times it seemed pointless, and it was frustrating. With any slip I had, I sunk down emotionally, and slips became relapses, and that just perpetuated the entire cycle. I was told by professionals that I would probably just have to "manage" my disease, there was very little hope or support given - at the end anyway.

Today, I am happy to say that I have been completely recovered from my eating disorder (and other self destructive behaviors) for over a year and a half.

I never thought it was possible, I was really about at the point of giving up completely.

No matter how discouraging things may feel, no matter how hopeless things may appear, no matter how frustrating or repetitive or tiring the process becomes - it is worth it. There really is that "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" - so to speak. Admist all of the grey clouds - there really is that silver lining, infact sometimes it seems opposite - I think that the clouds really are silver, but the lining is what is grey.

Just keep on keepin' on ... You all are beautiful, capable, and worth it :angel:

Congratulations on your recovery! I, too, have been recovered from my ED for 5 years now, and, yes, it is possible. I won't say I'm completely recovered though I am, mostly. I still have problems with my body image, but I have completely stopped all ED behaviors. I eat normally, exercise much, much less & at much lower intensities (exercising just for fitness and not to lose weight), don't restrict, don't purge, or engage in other ED behaviors.

I'm much, much happier now. I've even been off antidepressants 1 1/2 years now, and mostly, my mood is good.

Life free of the ED is wonderful, and you can do it, everyone! Even though it's scary to give up the ED because it becomes so entangled in your identity that you worry who you will be without the ED, I'm telling you, there's no need to worry! You get to be yourself again and to have an actual life again! After overcoming my ED, I felt such a boost of confidence, and self-esteem. Now I feel like I can do anything! Don't ever give up on recovery!

"No matter how discouraging things may feel, no matter how hopeless things may appear, no matter how frustrating or repetitive or tiring the process becomes - it is worth it. There really is that "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" - so to speak. Admist all of the grey clouds - there really is that silver lining, infact sometimes it seems opposite - I think that the clouds really are silver, but the lining is what is grey.

Just keep on keepin' on ... You all are beautiful, capable, and worth it"

Thank you for this . . . t made me feel liek i can overcome this and im at the point where im so sick of the reptative processes and behaviors and feeling alone in this. iknwo i can do it and seeing others do it is an inspiration for me! and congrats on your recovery! you are beautiful too!
take care <3

(( amethest )) You can recover !! Don't ever give up, and don't ever let ED try to convince you anything other then the fact that you are stronger then he lets you believe..

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Take care and have a great rest of your weekend

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