Comments | comes_the_light: Welcome to Vanessa's Blog!

comes_the_light

Welcome to Vanessa's Blog!

May 25, 2015 17:22

My name is Vanessa and this is my blog. I have struggled with anorexia for 20 years and self-injury for more than 30 years. It is my hope that many of the things I have written about here will be things you can relate to.

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Read an excerpt from my book, Comes the Darkness, Comes the ( Read more... )

Comments 48

mf_wookiee June 6 2007, 04:43:47 UTC

Hey Ms V., it's Chris Collins... you know, the aspiring poet you had the pleasure of dealing with in '01-'02? Richard Hodges pointed me in this direction... I just wanted to say hi and to subscribe to this and to wookiee_poetry, those are my blogs... btw... have you got MySpace?

comes_the_light June 6 2007, 17:48:17 UTC

It is so good to hear from you!! I hope that life is treating you well and that you are continuing to write. I'd love to hear what you're up to!

hi anonymous June 6 2007, 21:47:27 UTC

just wanted to say hi :) and to say i wish you luck for the future

Re: hi comes_the_light June 7 2007, 14:55:22 UTC

Thank you so much for the encouragement! :) I need all the warm fuzzies I can get!

suzieq_scrapper June 7 2007, 14:09:55 UTC

Hi Vanessa, I joined LJ a few days ago because I have a friend who is very depressed that also self injures (needles and abuse of medication). She invited me to read her journal here. I joined and have a companion journal where I post scripture and prayers for my friend. She (with the encouragement of our pastor) has invited 4 women into her life for support and accountability--like the parable of the sick man who had 4 friends bring him to Jesus for healing. I have known this friend for many years, knew she struggled, but never felt like she wanted anyone to "invade" her life. She has giving us permission to do that now. We are looking for an inpatient facility that will help her in her struggles. Her psychiatrist is very willing to admit her. She is willing to go. Can I ask where you went for treatment? I plan to get your book--both for my insight and understanding and to share with her. Thanks.

comes_the_light June 7 2007, 22:08:27 UTC

It sounds like you are such a great friend and blessing! For several reasons, I did not go through a residential treatment program, although in hindsight, I really wish I had. Instead, I opted for an out-patient type program where I met with a therapist one on one for 2-3 hours per week and then met in a small group session 4 hours a week. The first place I would contact to get more in-patient information for your friend would be the S.A.F.E. Alternatives program. Their number is 1-800-DONT-CUT. They have a referral service for programs in your area. I hope this helps! :)

Thank you suzieq_scrapper June 8 2007, 13:24:21 UTC

Thank you, Vanessa. After following links to your website, I did put a call into S.A.F.E. Alternatives program yesterday. I am waiting for a call back. I told my friend about your book, your website and your LJ username. She was encouraged to hear of someone in their mid-thirties breaking free of self-harm--she really wants to be free--she has put much effort into trying, but just hasn't found the right tools to help, yet. I am praying this will be the answer for her. Thank you for sharing your story with others.

Re: Thank you comes_the_light June 8 2007, 18:34:41 UTC

Please let me know how things go. I want to be as supportive as I can to a fellow traveler on her own journey towards healing! Reassure your friend that she isn't alone and that there are many people ready to rally around her supportively. :)

I have a very similar board..... anonymous June 13 2007, 04:12:39 UTC

I have a nailbiting message board at:

http://members.aol.com/Roseb441702/nailbite.htm

and as you can see from some of the posts a lot of people meniton self-injury and a lot of them are teenagers.

I think this problem is a lot more bigger than we think!

Re: I have a very similar board..... comes_the_light June 13 2007, 22:59:34 UTC

I KNOW this problem is bigger than people realize. That is why it is so important for people to stand up and realize that they are not alone and that there are others out there who can relate to what they are going through! We live in a society where treatment options are based on needs. Since the statistics are inaccurate, society doesn't realize what a need there really is. Hopefully the more people talk about their disorders, the less shame will exist. Over time, it is my hope that the statistics will be accurate and society will offer sufficient medical and mental health programs to those who need them.

hi again herbiebloop June 13 2007, 10:55:54 UTC

oh hi sigh....have you read the book "Slim to none". It's about a girl's descent into anorexia and her eventual death. I like the sharp insights..sometimes i wish I can die of anorexia like her too...because...im so much like her-lonely, depressed..oh by the way, is that your real picture? How old are you? Im 22...hmmm..an adult ready..time flies

Re: hi again comes_the_light June 13 2007, 18:46:22 UTC

Yes, that's my real picture! If you watch the video on my website, you can see me there too! :)
I am not familiar with the book you mentioned. I will have to check it out. I wish I could offer you more encouragement. You are worth more than an eating disorder can ever justify. It makes me sad that you envision yourself dying of anorexia. I thought that might be my fate one day. I'm glad I was wrong. I'm about to turn 36 and life is much better now than it was in my 20's. Hang in there! You're worth it! :)