Dear Jasmine,
I’ve been anorexic for 9 years and a cutter for 12 years and a druggy for 11 years. My best friend was the same way, but I told her I stopped, so she did. She gave me her keys to her box of sharp things and made a list of everything she ate. A few days ago she found out that I never did stop. She is falling right back in to her old habits. The only way she’ll stop is if I stop but I can’t. What should I do? Or better yet how do I stop?
Amanda I.
Reading, PA
Dear Amanda,
I can tell you really care about your friend. The problem is you do not care about yourself. You and your friend both need help and I would suggest professional help to get you through your problems. If you truly care for your friend, you need to start caring about yourself. What will your friend do if because you die because you have been starving yourself, or cutting yourself to death or overdose on drugs? Do you want her to do the same thing?
My guess is you don’t want that to happen to your friend and what is even more important is you need to stop doing it to yourself. How can you be a great friend to her, if you are not around? I know it will be difficult to stop doing all this because you have been doing it for so long. But do it for yourself, your family and of course, your friends. Don’t ruin your future by slowly killing yourself and don’t let your friend do the same thing.
I suggest that you get into a program so you can deal with your drug problem, eating habits and cutting. If you are going to school, I would suggest that you talk to a counselor to help point you in the right direction. I know it will be hard but think about yourself and also your friend. Set the example to her that you can do it and so can she. You two could even participate in the same program so you guys can help each other through your recovery stage.
Everything is easier said then done, I am aware of that, but I am also sure you are aware of how destructive your behavior has become and how it has not only harmed yourself but influence your friend, who you seem to care about very much. You need your family involved too, so they can help you if you ever feel the need to go back to your old ways. Don’t go through this alone because that is what got you into all this trouble in the first place. Take this opportunity to get help for you and your friend so you two can continue to be friends for years to come.
Always here,
Jasmine
