Eating Disorder Chronicles: Sometimes Laughter IS the Best Medicine

Last Wednesday Social Butterfly and I were driving to meet Mr. Fix-it at the Eating Disorder Clinic for the Intake Interview. The clinic had emailed me all the forms and I'd filled most of them out, but left blank things I thought SB should do herself. She completed the mental health history questions:

Has any blood relative ever had: 

Alcoholism                     No   Yes
Drug Problem                 No   Yes
Depression                     No   Yes
Mental Problems             No   Yes
Psychiatric Treatment     No   Yes
Epilepsy                          No   Yes
Neurological Disorder       No   Yes
Suicidal Attempts            No   Yes

Since there was no option for All of the Above, she circled them all yes. Then she had to fill out the portion that asked which relative. The answers were all things like "maternal aunt," "maternal grandmother," "maternal . . ." About halfway through SB looked at we sideways and drawled, "Wait a minute . . . I see what's going on-this is all YOUR fault."

Thank goodness we still had 20 minutes until the appointment--we spent close to 10 of them laughing.

 

When eating with an anorexic one is supposed to be encouraging--a cheerleader if you will. Leave it to Mr. Fix-it to take it one step further. After breakfast on Sunday morning--when SB had polished off her eggs, fruit, milk and a bagel thin--he did the wave. There was so much smiling I was moved to snap a photo of the two of them as we set off on our Sunday walk (an acceptable amount of exercise for SB).

Thanks for all the supportive comments--I am trying to answer personally as time affords, but even if I haven't gotten back to you, SB and I are reading them and truly appreciate the support.

 

 

Comments

[Claudia from Idiot's Kitchen]

You are all incredibly brave. So glad that help is available to you and your beautiful daughter.

[Jocelyn]

You better tell Mr. Fix-It to start practicing his cartwheels...because there are more and more solid meals in SB's future, so he's going to need to keep up the level of entertainment. I'm so glad you all have each other and laughter.

[debkuroiwa]

how lucky SB is to be in such a supportive family....and that she has such a great attitude about this. she will be okay...just hang in there together and all will be good.

now...here is something that is a bit frightening, from my point of view....i see your beautiful daughter and yeah, she's thin but....to my eye, not dangerously so. i have seen so (so so SO) many pictures of girls (and boys) who are much thinner and yet...their lives seem to be going on as if nothing is wrong. are these young people also in the same situation as SB? if they are, does ANYone around them even know? or have the resources to know or even suspect?
i think about this and my thoughts about your family being a supportive one multiply many times!
{{hugs}} and support from oh so far away.

[lanes]

I love that you both cracked up en route! (And, of course, that things are beginning to get better.)

[marty]

Yay, Juggling Family! Best of luck to all of you as you work toward a return to SB's good health!

[gary rith]

once again, best wishes in the days ahead :)

[Kristen]

This is a wonderful example of how coping with/recovering from/supporting each other through a major health issue can be done with grace, love, and humor. This seems to come naturally for your family.

[Green Girl In Wisconsin]

Good to keep the levity during this time!

[Karen (formerly kcinnova)]

As someone who is the carrier of many scary genetic traits, I'm glad you two found the laughter in that moment.

We don't get to choose the gene pool we go swimming in, but we do get the choice of learning to be a strong swimmer. I'm so glad that SB has a family supporting her and a coaching team to teach all of you how to get through this.

[Brightside-Susan]

Thrilled that things are going well. I have complained to my dad that I got all the bad genes from his side of the family!

[magpie]

I'm glad you're sharing the story. Thank you.

[Busy Bee Suz]

I am laughing at SB's comment...isn't it always the Mother's fault???
In my case it is true as well. :) And of course, we find humor in every situation in life.
The photo is great...she is a happy girl and it shows. Gosh, if all kids/adults who are in this same place has such support....they would be lucky!!!
{I just did the wave all the way from Florida!}

[Heather]

sending love,thank you for sharing your story.

[cardinal]

Beautiful picture, with love aplenty. Good job, mom!

[Michelle]

The picture brought tears to my eyes. Amazing girl. Amazing family.

[JCK (Motherscribe)]

My heart goes out to all of you. I think your posts will really help many people. Hugs to you and SB!

[London Hypnotherapy]

Amazing girl with an amazng family