Melissa’s story is an amazing story to watch as we wrap six weeks of this amazing expose on eating disorders in the real world. Melissa is a very extreme case, her photos are jaw dropping and she is clearly lucky to be alive. Melissa’s struggles are really amazing, but her honesty helps us understand the truth behind what often creates the recipe for an eating disorder. Her admission that she has issues with her mother are very common, as eating disorder treatment often includes family therapy.
It is certainly amazing to learn that after coming back from a very low life threatening weight, the attending doctor on the show tells her she has symptoms that are indicative of an active eating disorder. I feel a lot of empathy towards her, as I know how hard it is to recover from an eating disorder. There were many times I thought I was better, only to realize I was avoiding avocados because they were a “no” food. I really surprised myself on many occasions. But with constant desire to improve and more exposure therapy (trying the stuff out I was scared of) helped me get to a fully recovered state.
Melissa’s courage to continue to heal is so admirable. Finding out that she needs to get her mom to therapy is certainly a revelation. How did she get better without the help of family therapy? And what happens if her mother doesn’t agree?
I think this is the perfect way to end the show because we really get to see a variation of ways this disorder affects people. And we can understand that recovery can take a long time. It is a long journey, which is why I am so passionate about eating disorder awareness, early treatment and prevention efforts.
The story on the chalk is something most people won’t understand. However, it is an amazing lesson in learning how a person can use a substance (in this case a substance not meant for consumption) to avoid feelings. If you don’t get too carried away in the fact that this woman and her mother eat chalk then it is a really interesting lesson. I don’t have a lot to say about this story.
I really like the portion on exposure therapy. I think this is a very real and valuable part of recovery. Melissa’s willingness to work through the issue of eating breakfast without sweetener with the dietitian is really amazing. That is the reality of overcoming an eating disorder. The person has to do really scary things which will uncover feelings and allow them to return to a normal healthy diet. Great to see on this show. And at home I keep thinking no just use Stevia or natural sweetener (but even I know better- it’s not about the food).
Having the family come to chat with her was also amazing. When her mother asked if it was a choice my jaw dropped open. And she kept insisting that she may have been enjoying it and trying to upset her mother. Really? She was enjoying it? Um, no nobody starves to death for fun. Um. NO.
I feel like my blogs on this show have been a bit slanted, but coming from the point of view as someone who struggled for 18 years with eating disorders it is hard to see people bring their stories to light like this. I only wish they had a show like this 18 years ago. It would have saved me from a lot of struggle.
When Melissa’s mom tells her she won’t go to therapy it is just so sad. It is so obvious that this woman is in pain and has a big wall up. But Melissa is very strong to stand up for herself. She asks and is very reasonable and adult in her request. It is clear to anyone watching that there is a very strained relationship here and the idea that a real “mother” wouldn’t do anything to help her daughter is disheartening; But important to show on TV, because this happens in real life. It is time to start showing this to people so we don’t fall into the cultural stereotypes and ideas that a “mother” is a certain way. Sometimes they are damaged and can’t be the best parent a child needs.
Great job Melissa, we are rooting for you!
Finally Free,
Bridget Loves
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