“When I was 10, I was diagnosed with OCD. At 13, I had my first major depressive episode.
By the time I graduated high school, I had received diagnosis’s of bulimia, body dysmorphia disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, severe major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, and self harm. This defined me. This felt like all I was, but it’s not.
I work at a daycare and love my babies at work. I’m a daughter and sister. I have friends, and I’m in college again. I’m recovering slowly but surely from my mental illnesses, and I’m recovering who I am.
Last year, I went off to college on a full-ride scholarship and told everyone I was okay. I wasn’t. I was canceling therapy appointments and not taking my medication. I withdrew from everyone, and when I was holed up by myself, I slipped further and further into my eating disorder. One night, my life, as I knew it, went away. I left my dorm room to go to the ER and simply never came back. Instead, I spent a week in the hospital that was shortly followed by 6 weeks at a residential eating disorder treatment facility. When I was released, I moved back home and felt like the life I had planned was over.
The transition back has been anything but easy. However, I fight every day, because recovery is always worth it. I fight for the future I want to have someday. I fight for those I love. I fight for those who lost the fight. The biggest difference between my past and now is that now I also fight for me!
I’m not “recovered,” but I fight hard every single day to create a beautiful life without my eating disorder and managing my other mental illnesses. My health is now my top priority. I now take my medication for anxiety and depression as prescribed. I currently see my therapist twice a week (soon going to once a week.) I have talked to my school about any ways my mental illnesses could affect my studies. I do yoga, and I find my balance. I practice intuitive eating and self love. I journal often and practice true self care. And I’m learning that my life does not have a set path. I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to be me, because who I am is enough.
We are all enough simply as we are. And who are is more than just our illnesses. We are warriors, and we shall win! “
P.S We have been nominated for the UK Blog Awards!!! Last year we won highly commended. This year the MH Stories team has expanded and we are now in the company entrants!
It would mean the world to us if you could take a few seconds and vote for this blog, as well as Kay’s personal one. THANK YOU! ❤
