Fiona Morris writes:
Today marks the first day of Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2016 in Ireland
Sometimes the biggest smile can hide the deepest sadness. I would give a lot to be able to get back the years I lost to anorexia…but the reality is, I can never get those years back. I can never erase the years of crying, lying, wishing, wanting, jealousy, hatred, frustration, fear and guilt, But what I can do is immerse myself in the years I still have, years of mystery, joy, laughter, tears, memories, relationships, travels, hard work and hard play. These are years that I am fortunate to have ahead of me. I am not going to say I am one of the ‘lucky’ ones, luck has not played any part. What I will say is that I one of BRAVE ones, who was strong enough to stand up for my right to be alive and to have a place in this world. Having anorexia, has no doubt taught me a lot about myself and about life. Yes, I regret the years I spent with it, but I don’t regret all the lessons it taught me (PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OF THE LESSONS CAN BE LEARNED WITHOUT SPENDING ANY AMOUNT OF TIME WITH AN EATING DISORDER!!). I understand the beauty and fragility of life, I understand the blessing that we have been given with life, I have compassion and understanding, I have a clear and balanced perspective on what is important and most of all, I have a deep appreciation for good relationships, with both friends and family. I have had to try and take some positive out of my ‘lost’ years and it is these life lessons that have stood out.
I would be lying if I said that I don’t still struggle, I do…I really really do. I have had it for 12 years so I wouldnt expect to not have tough times!!. But I am currently in the best place I have ever been and I am very proud to be able to say that.
Anorexia is an illness that kills relationships, breaks hearts, destroys souls and takes lives, Eating disorders are NOT a passing trend and they are not going away anytime soon.
To anyone suffering or to anyone who has a loved one suffering, please NEVER EVER EVER give up, don’t give yourself that option. It IS possible for anyone to recover, I promise. You have to hold to hope in yourself and keep believing that one day it will happen for you. Have patience with yourself, don’t expect an over night miracle…don’t be hard on yourself if you slip up in your recovery and trust the people that tell you that better nourishment results in a better life. They are telling the truth!! Perserverance and consistency is key and when you feel like you can fight no more or that you have nothing to fight for…just remember that you too, are an individual on this earth just like everyone else you see around you and you deserve to have a precious life, just like they do.
I am not sharing this for praise or attention, I know myself how much I have accomplished. I am sharing this to reach out to people struggling with an eating disorder. I want you guys to know that no matter how long you have had an eating disorder for, how many times you have got a bit better only to fall down again, how bad it may seem right now, no matter how hopeless you feel or how scared you are about taking a step forward…that recovery is possible for everyone, EVERYONE! All of our stories are different and all of our recoveries will be different, but it is possible for us all….and trust me when I say…its worth it.
NEVER EVER GIVE UP, TAKE THAT STEP, YOU WON’T REGRET IT
Love to all, Fi xxxx
HOW TO TALK ABOUT ED
Each day during Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2016, we’ll be asking people to talk about eating disorders by focussing on the facts and leaving the myths behind.
- People can and do recover from eating disorders
- Remember an eating disorder is a coping mechanism and it is not all about food and weight.
- Remember you are asking a person to give up their way of coping so resistance is normal.
If you’d like to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about:
As a start, don’t ask the person for anything, rather:
- Ask what can you do to help
- Be patient and non-judgmental
- Remind the person that he/she has people who care and support him/her
- Understand that the person is not looking for attention or pity
- Suggest to them to check out Bodywhys.ie
To find out more log onto Bodywhys.ie
