“What led me to seek treatment at The Meadows was I was getting sick fast. I was physically ill and emotionally unstable. And I was going down fast,” Daria recalls. Her decision to seek help for her eating disorder was made in a moment of clarity. “I made some poor choices that led to a situation where I had to make the decision within 5 minutes of hearing about it.” On December 15, 2022, she entered treatment, embarking on a life-changing journey.
Arriving at The Meadows was an overwhelming experience.
“My experience when I first arrived was like a whirlwind for me. I was extremely anxious and wondering if I made the right decision. But there was kindness and warmth all around me. I was reassured this was the right place for me.”
Her most profound breakthroughs came once she began trusting the process. “I was a difficult client until I had a breakthrough when I really put some thought behind it and began to trust the process. A switch flipped as I realized this was an opportunity to heal just as I needed. I became keenly aware that I was feeling better after meals. I had the energy to learn and practice new behaviors.”
The skills Daria developed in treatment have become a foundation for her ongoing recovery. “Coping skills and tools I still use today include structure and grounding techniques for when I become emotionally distraught. The best tool I still use is discerning the difference of my thoughts from the disease’s chatter. I have been able to structure my days so they do not revolve around food.”
She found immense support in the care she received.
“The staff at The Meadows are exceptional. All staff was compassionate, patient, and supportive. This created a safe place for me. I became more trusting, knowing that I would have someone to go to if needed.”
Life Beyond Treatment
For Daria, life after treatment has brought its share of challenges and triumphs. “Life after The Meadows has been both wonderful and challenging. I have moments that I really have to remind myself that I’ve come this far, with the help of The Meadows, and I didn’t work this hard to just quit.” She continues her recovery journey with the support of a dedicated team, including a therapist, psychologist, and registered dietitian.
To anyone hesitant about taking the first step toward recovery, her advice is heartfelt: “I would say to someone struggling and unsure about taking the first step that they are worth taking this journey of recovery. I’d tell them that all they have to do is make one phone call.”
Reflecting on her time at The Meadows, she says,
“The community and support I found at The Meadows was outstanding. Peers were a bonus support system. We all were in it together with a level of understanding that cannot be found anywhere else.”
Her message to her past self is filled with compassion:
“I would tell my pre-treatment self to get help sooner. I’d promise myself that the road to recovery is there for me.”
