Yes, cupcakes!

Adolescent eating disorder

Thank you so much for all your help. I truly believe that without your help it would have taken me considerably longer to get on the road to recovery. You gave me a big scare but I think that was just what I needed to realize the severity of my problem. Since coming back home I have made a conscious effort to eat more and get my weight back up. My BMI is now 20.3 and I am feeling like me old self again. I no longer see food as my enemy and can have chocolate and other treats without worrying about it. When I look at myself in the mirror, instead of seeing a fatter me, I see a healthier me. There is no comparison to my personality during last year and now. I am happy and find joy in doing the things I used to love such as basketball. I have recently taken up the guitar and I am really enjoying it. I am focused on building muscle and I know that that takes a lot of food to do. I also know that in order for me to function correctly I must fuel my body properly.

I didn’t comprehend how much of a negative effect on your personality starving yourself has but I am now aware that a healthy body and a healthy mind go hand in hand. I can see muscles in my arms that I have never seen before and this is a great incentive to keep eating enough to build muscle. Last year I was affected terribly by the cold winter and I was always freezing but now I don’t feel the cold as much because I have some insulation.

My self-confidence is sky high compared to last year. I can walk up to people and initiate a conversation without any hesitation. My family is also very pleased and relieved with my progress. I was not aware how concerned everyone was about me but I fully understand why they did worry about my health. My Mother and Father were very concerned about me but they now think I look healthy and happy again.

I will be forever grateful to you for helping me to break this harmful cycle — you may very well have saved my life. I wish you and your sons all the best in the future. I will never forget what you did for me.

J.A.