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Mental Illness Affects More Than Just One

Mental illness and eating disorders don't stop with the person they take root in.

Cait Lesko

Feb 27, 2017

Morris County, NJ

Mental Illness Affects More Than Just One

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Five years ago, my life changed when my best friend began to suffer from anorexia. It started with eating less, almost as if she was less hungry; however, after a few weeks my friends and I began to realize that she was eating less and less, and her mood started to change.

Sadly for my friend, this was just the beginning. She was unlucky and unable to overcome her eating disorder. Things got ugly, and for the past five years, I've watched from the sidelines wondering how I could help. What could I do to help her through this? Is there even anything I can do? How do you show someone that they are so much more than what they see in the mirror?

Over the years I've learned a lot about what mental illness and eating disorders are. The truth is eating disorders affect more than just the person they take root in. It takes root in the life of every person that is left to watch as their loved one suffers.

My best friend once described her illness as walking around every day with bricks tied to her ankles. For me, watching her suffer has been like living every day under the weight of a loaded truck.

When you watch someone you love suffer, there is a special part of you that suffers along with them. Though it often seems like there is nothing you can do for them, know that simply standing by them through everything is the greatest gift you can give. Don't be afraid to tell them how you feel, and let them know that you are there walking with them every step of the way. Your support will make more of a difference that you can ever understand.

If you have concerns about a someone, ask an adult for help. Mental illness and eating disorders are not things you can fix on your own. The National Eating Disorder Association is a great place to learn more about eating disorders and other ways in which you can help those suffering.

If you yourself are suffering, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are not ready to talk to a loved one, call a helpline. There are so many people here to help. And know that you can get through this with the right help and support.

Helplines:

NAMI: 1-800-950-6264

NEDA: 1-800-931-2237

Teen Line: 310-855-4673

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Mental Illness Affects More Than Just One

Mental illness and eating disorders don't stop with the person they take root in.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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