30 Day Recovery Challenge: Day 18

18. Do you have any other diagnosed disorders aside from an eating disorder? How are you dealing with these issues? If you don’t have another disorder, what are some psychological issues that affect your eating disorder right now?

Really?  

Really?  

Must we open *that* can of worms?

Just kidding. 

Really.

It's actually a good question to ask, because eating disorders often coexist with other mental illnesses.  And if it helps one person who also enjoys the feast I have been served, then it is worth taking the time to share.

Funny story, my life is.  I went into therapy for severe depression.  Never expected to be diagnosed with an eating disorder.  Then again, I didn't expect a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis either.  I always thought that it was just how I was.  ADHD was diagnosed in college, but according to one of my grade school teachers, it made perfect sense as to how school rolled out for me.  I hated school.  It was *impossible* to concentrate.  Studying?  Not a chance.  Anything that required prolonged focus was not happening.  While I don't officially have an OCD diagnosis, I have a few too many of the tendencies.

  

In summary: 

Severe Depression.  PTSD.  ADHD.  OCD.  Anxiety.  

Oh, and an eating disorder.

At least that one is on it's way out.

How do I deal with all of this alphabet soup?  Therapy.  Lots and lots of therapy.  With an incredible therapist.  I can even give credit to my previous therapists, cause without experiencing them, I would never have known how challenging, yet powerful, therapy can be when you have the right therapist.  And considering my therapist is only one member of my treatment team, I know that I've got a lot of support to rely on as needed.