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Stephanie RodasAmerican woman with anorexia nervosa
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Stephanie: A Journey of Recovery from Anorexia
- Treatment and Relapse
- Attempting Recovery
- College and Distraction
- A Holistic Approach
- A Near-Tragedy and New Beginnings
- A Costly Journey
- Understanding Anorexia
Stephanie: A Journey of Recovery from Anorexia
Early Struggles and TriggersAt age 13, Stephanie began skipping meals and found solace in weight loss. Feeling like an outcast among her peers, she discovered that dropping weight brought her acceptance and praise.
"My self-esteem skyrocketed," Stephanie recalls. "Finally, I had control over something that consumed my mind and made me feel secure. Anorexia became a coping mechanism, a way to numb my anxiety and find comfort."
Treatment and Relapse
At age 17, Stephanie was hospitalized for anorexia. Despite gaining weight in the hospital setting, she quickly relapsed upon her release.
"I resumed controlling my symptoms by micromanaging portions and counting calories," she explains. "But no one ever asked the deep questions about what was going on at home, at school, or why I was struggling... So I quickly spiraled down again."
Attempting Recovery
Stephanie entered a treatment facility in Indiana at age 19. While the program fostered a strong sense of community and provided holistic therapies, it proved prohibitively expensive. After three months, her parents could no longer afford the $1,200-a-day cost.
College and Distraction
Stephanie found solace in college, where she excelled academically. However, her eating disorder eventually reemerged in the form of obsessive exercise.
A Holistic Approach
Embracing a more comprehensive approach, Stephanie connected with a personal growth coach and registered dietitian. She also attended yoga and meditation classes.
"Unfortunately, it wasn't enough," Stephanie says. "Hospitalized repeatedly, I'd learned to 'game the system.' I'd eat just enough to get discharged and then return to my debilitating starvation patterns."
A Near-Tragedy and New Beginnings
In February 2017, Stephanie was found unconscious in her sister's apartment. She spent two weeks in the intensive care unit, weighing a mere 31 kg.
Currently, Stephanie is receiving inpatient treatment at Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center in Medford, Massachusetts. Her family plans to keep her in the program for as long as they can afford.
A Costly Journey
The treatment program costs approximately $1,000 per day, and Stephanie's family has created a GoFundMe page to help cover expenses. They have raised $20,800 towards their goal of $100,000.
Understanding Anorexia
Anorexia is a serious mental illness that affects a person's desire to maintain a dangerously low weight. It is often driven by an intense fear of weight gain or a relentless pursuit of thinness.
Despite its predominantly female prevalence, anorexia also affects males and can develop in adolescents or adults. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking professional help are crucial for recovery.
