I was always a shy girl growing up, always feeling like I didn’t fit in with the other kids. I was never quite sure why, but I was always conscious of it. I was always conscious of my weight, too. I was never overweight, but I was always aware of what I ate and how much I weighed.
I was in high school when I started to really obsess over my weight. I thought that if I was thinner, I would fit in better, and I would be more accepted. I started to restrict my food intake, and I would go for long periods of time without eating. I would also exercise excessively, and I would punish myself if I ate something that I deemed unhealthy.
At first, I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought I was getting healthier, but in reality, I was slowly killing myself. My friends and family noticed the changes in me, but I was too stubborn to listen to them. I was convinced that I knew best.
I was eventually diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, and I was hospitalized for a few weeks. I was scared and confused, but I was also relieved to finally know what was wrong with me. The doctors and nurses helped me to understand my condition and to learn how to cope with it.
I had to learn how to eat again, and I had to learn how to accept myself. It was a long journey, but I eventually got there. I had to learn to love myself and to accept that I am enough. I had to learn that I don’t need to be perfect to be accepted.
I am now in recovery, and I am learning to take care of myself. I still have bad days, but I am learning to be kind to myself. I am learning to accept my body, flaws and all. I am learning to love myself, and I am learning to live a healthier life.
My journey of self-discovery has been difficult, but it has been worth it. I am still on my journey, and I am learning to accept myself for who I am. I am Sarah, and I am recovering from Anorexia Nervosa.