I am a mid-sized woman, a dog mom, a wife, and a therapist who has struggled with an eating disorder since the age of 10. At 28 years old after having earned a master’s degree, bought an apartment, and gotten married, I finally decided to get help. I was passed over by family and doctors because I appeared healthy outwardly even though I was struggling deeply. The stereotype that all folks with and eating disorder are skinny is incredibly harmful and stops people from receiving the help they need. I tried another treatment program, and it was harmful. Renfrew helped give me my life back.
Some people think recovery is linear – it is NOT. My five months at Renfrew (IOP, PHP, and IOP again) were some of the hardest months of my life. And I still struggle now. But I have the tools to carry forward. I am not the underweight twig that is portrayed on TV. I am the vast majority of people with an eating disorder and by going to treatment, I am breaking the silence and the stereotype. My one piece of advice is that it is worth putting your life on pause to get the chance to live. Mid-size and larger bodied people deserve help. And it is worth it.
Elizabeth is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) and lover of all things outdoors (skiing, hiking, swimming, lounging on the beach), reading, baking and spending time with her husband and friends. She attended The Renfrew Center of Ney York City for treatment.
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