By the Numbers

10 years since my initial diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.

9 years since my first descent into bulimia.

8 trips to the emergency room.

3 in-patient hospitalizations for anorexia/bulimia.

2 in-patient hospitalizations for depression/suicidal behavior.

6 therapists.

14 different prescription medications.

177 lbs. gained and lost and gained and lost again.

103 visible scars resulting from self-injury.

Hundreds of diet pills and laxatives taken.

Dozens of vials of Ipecac Syrup swallowed.

Tens of thousands of dollars in medical care.

Innumerable tears, sleepless nights, regrets.

That's my eating disorder, by the numbers. Doesn't seem worth it, does it? I wish every person on the cusp of anorexia or bulimia could glimpse the future quantified cost of their choices. Perhaps they might think twice.