Inspirational Story – Meg Z

Contributor: Meg Z, Eating Disorder Hope valued community member

Pretty Girl from PA

I was just a normal college student filled with stress of test, homework, relationships and expectations. I was away from home living in the unknown trying to find myself. Sports management major, I was very dedicated to my field of work.

Healthy, persistent, and always ready for a work out. Better do them all so I can teach others to love their body and treat it right.

Life gets in the way of itself and sets you on the path you need to follow to become the person you truly are.

Fast forward through couple semesters, death of a loved one and relationship woes. My so very disguised commitment to my major was really my eating disorders way of controlling. As I lay in a bed of an ICU, family saddened, relationships ruined, body destroyed.

I had two choices, leave and die or start from the bottom and fight back for my life. I chose life, I will always choose life.

Inpatient Treatment Center

A week or so spent in an inpatient treatment center, fighting my demons right beside some of the strongest women and men to walk this earth. We yell, cry and fight, because we know we are worth it. I spent much of this time of my life learning about myself and that I am not alone, nor is perfection something that is realistic.

My eating disorder was disguised as many things throughout the years, but it never showed its true colors until I looked it in the eyes and said “get out”!

I spent months after that in outpatient programs and then eventually weekly appointments. It saved my life, I saved my life. I worked through each step of my recovery and learned the right skills needed to conquer not only this goal but also others.

This November, I celebrated my first year in recovery. During my journey, the best way to fight was to speak openly and honestly about it.

My Victories and Defeats

I started my blog in March and continually write about my victories and defeats. I hold myself accountable and share the heartache that comes with this disorder. I do my best to educate others and teach everyone that we deserve happiness. I have lived more in the last year than I have in my entire life.

I have watched my families’ faces going from fear to happiness. I have watched love do some incredible miracle work and I will forever be thankful for choosing recovery. Everyone has a different journey.

Mine was long and frustrating. Throughout this journey, the support, love, and appreciation I have received will never be able to be repaid, but I will try daily. I have accomplished goals that my disorder told me were never possible.

A college graduate, a daughter, a sister, a voice on the Internet that doesn’t want you to feel alone anymore. Recovery is worth it. You are worth it.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What are some of the ways that you have achieved support in your Eating Disorder recovery? Inpatient? Outpatient? What has worked for you?

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on December 5th, 2014
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com