A (Forgotten) Anniversary

Most months of the year are demarcated by an ED anniversary of some sort. They range from "this marks X years since the ED started" to "this marks the anniversary of the day I was at my lowest weight" to "this marks the last time I was hospitalized for the ED." I don't spend my days thinking about these anniversaries, but I'm usually aware of them.

This year, one of these anniversaries completely passed me by.

A brief history: three years ago, I was more depressed than I had ever been in my life. I wasn't sleeping, I was barely functioning, the AN was raging, and I had had it. I lost hope that I would ever recover, and on November 30, 2006, I tried to end it all. My parents found me in time, and I was rushed to the local hospital where I spent several days in the Critical Care Unit, and then two more weeks in the psych unit, followed by a month in a day treatment program until insurance kicked me out.

Even today, life isn't always unicorns pooping rainbows. Mostly, I'm glad I survived. Mostly, I hold out hope for recovery. Mostly, I still really hate the month of December.

This year, however, the beginning of December arrived pretty much without notice. I dated my checks with a "12" instead of an "11," but that was the end of that. I was busy packing, and I found out some really good news related to writing (I'm not trying to be obtuse, but I can't quite talk about it yet. I promise I will update everyone as soon as I get the go ahead to open my big mouth.), and the day went completely unnoticed. It wasn't until I was driving today and thinking of another December anniversary (my last admission to residential treatment- I wasn't kidding when I said I really hated December), that I remembered this one had completely passed me by.

The aftermath of my overdose was part of what led to this blog--this doesn't leave me grateful for my experience, but I suppose it does help alleviate some of the negative that surrounds it. I have been too close, too often, to being just another AN statistic, and much of this anger at my ineffective initial treatments (for the first 6.5 years of my ED) is what ultimately fuels my advocacy work. Like they said in "The Lion King," it's the circle of life.

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8 comments:

Libby said...

I am glad that you survived, too. *hug*

Amy said...

I'm really glad you made it. I'm grateful that you're out here, writing the way you do. [hugs]

Kim said...

I am so glad that you made it through. Yes, it's rough at times, and I find comfort in someone else who knows it's not all unicorns pooping rainbows ;) I can't wait to hear your exciting writing news!

Cathy (UK) said...

Wow, Carrie, I didn't know that your depression got so bad... I'm so glad you made it.. you are smart, insightful and have a lot to offer the world... always, always remember that! x

Katie said...

I'm really glad you survived too. Unicorns pooping rainbows are highly overrated anyway - realism and determination are far more inspiring to me than unending positivity. Congratulations about your writing news, I will look forward to reading about it!

Kelly said...

So glad they found you in time or else you wouldn't be writing this great blog! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks about "medical anniversary's"!

Lauren said...

Ironically, I tried to end it all too on November 30, 2005. This time of year always reminds me of what I went through then. Although the ED is still a struggle, I'm glad we both made it!

now.is.now said...

I'm so glad you made it too! Wow - you offer so much to all your readers - I hope you always remember that.

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About Me

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I'm a science writer, a jewelry design artist, a bookworm, a complete geek, and mom to a wonderful kitty. I am also recovering from a decade-plus battle with anorexia nervosa. I believe that complete recovery is possible, and that the first step along that path is full nutrition.

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Have any questions or comments about this blog? Feel free to email me at carrie@edbites.com



nour·ish: (v); to sustain with food or nutriment; supply with what is necessary for life, health, and growth; to cherish, foster, keep alive; to strengthen, build up, or promote



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