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Far From Fine and Merely Surviving
Before coming to Magnolia Creek, Amy felt like she didn’t deserve recovery, happiness, or friendship. She was in a dark place, as it seemed that everything around her was crumbling. Not only did she feel misunderstood, but she also felt that the world was just passing her by. Amy’s eating disorder pushed everyone she loved away as she started to isolate herself. And although Amy was proud of her position at work and how she was typically trustworthy and dependable, her eating disorder started to affect her work. Amy experienced lightheadedness and other physical complications at work caused by her eating disorder, including multiple panic attacks during the workday. While Amy put on a façade and told everyone she was fine, she was far from it and was merely surviving.
Making the Difficult Decision to Attend Treatment
To address her eating and mental health disorders, Amy sought outpatient treatment. Her outpatient team quickly determined that she needed more intensive treatment at a place like Magnolia Creek. Magnolia Creek seemed like a beautiful and supportive facility despite Amy’s skepticism about being so far from home. After her assessment at Magnolia Creek, Amy and her family made the difficult decision to attend residential treatment. Amy was terrified, but the Magnolia Creek admissions coordinator walked her through the process, answering all her questions and listening to her fears and anxieties about leaving home. According to Amy, “The admissions coordinator constantly assured me that I deserved recovery and freedom from my eating disorder.”
On the drive to Magnolia Creek, she was anxious that she wouldn’t be able to connect with the staff and other clients. Her anxiety was immediately put to rest when she was greeted by the facilities manager along with other staff members who helped welcome her to treatment. The hospitality shown to Amy by the Magnolia Creek staff was just what she needed as she took the first difficult step on her recovery journey.
Feeling Accepted, Loved, Seen, and Heard
Amy’s treatment at Magnolia Creek was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. The individualized therapies combined with peaceful surroundings, the ability to connect with nature, and compassionate treatment helped her heal. Amy says, “From when I was admitted to when I left, I felt accepted, loved, seen, heard, and safe for once.” Although the first couple of days were difficult, the staff and the other clients included Amy and checked on her often. Throughout her stay, Amy’s team listened to her needs while also challenging her. She says that she not only learned from other clients but also from the specialized therapy groups. She also formed more connections than she thought she would and made incredible friendships that she still cherishes.
Magnolia Creek changed Amy’s life and gave her hope, helping her realize that life beyond her eating and mental health disorders was possible. She learned that it’s okay to struggle and share those struggles with others instead of keeping everything to herself. Amy knows that she has access to a group of people and other resources from Magnolia Creek if she needs them. A quote that will always stick with her from her treatment is, “No rain, no flowers.” Amy’s grateful to be an alum of Magnolia Creek because she can share her story of hope and recovery with others. To those who need eating disorder treatment but are anxious and hesitant to take the next step, she says, “You are capable, there is hope, and you are worthy of recovery.”
If you’re ready to take the next step in the eating disorder recovery process, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 205-509-2571 or complete our contact form.
