Eating Disorders Support Group
Eating disorders are marked by an obsessive need to control the intake and/or purging of food. This community is dedicated to those struggling on the road to recovery. Join to discuss your experience with others and find support. Get advice, ask questions, and meet others who are going through similar struggles.
So due to everyone's encouragement, I got up the courage and strength to call UCLA's eating disorder program to see if they would let me come back.
That was Thursday, and I still had not heard from anyone today (Tuesday), and it was making me anxious so I called back again. Well the admissions nurse answered, and as soon as I told her my name, her voice went cold. She cut me off midsentence and said that there was no way that I could get into the program, as the wait was too long. She was so rude about it. She then asked if I had looked into any other programs, and I told her no. She then asked me very rudely why not. I told her that I hadn't because UCLA was my first choice, and she kind of laughed at that. Then she hung up.
I was so upset when I got off the phone that I cried for over an hour. I feel like there is no hope for me. I feel like I'm never going to get better. I feel paralyzed to do anything more towards health. Encouragement would be appreciated.
That was Thursday, and I still had not heard from anyone today (Tuesday), and it was making me anxious so I called back again. Well the admissions nurse answered, and as soon as I told her my name, her voice went cold. She cut me off midsentence and said that there was no way that I could get into the program, as the wait was too long. She was so rude about it. She then asked if I had looked into any other programs, and I told her no. She then asked me very rudely why not. I told her that I hadn't because UCLA was my first choice, and she kind of laughed at that. Then she hung up.
I was so upset when I got off the phone that I cried for over an hour. I feel like there is no hope for me. I feel like I'm never going to get better. I feel paralyzed to do anything more towards health. Encouragement would be appreciated.
Don't let this give up hope. Apply to another IP place. You are so brave to admit you need the help and you deserve it. i'm so sorry you got treated like that. Keep up your determination.
Heck, if you send me the link to this admissions / treatment facility, I will write a letter of complaint. Everyone should. If I believe in anything VERY STRONGLY, it's that the whole IP / OP / ED treatment plans and facilities need a HUGE overhaul in education and COMPASSION. Above all else you should be proud of yourself for asking for help and wanting to try to get back into recovery. Don't question that, and certainly do not let this woman fear you into a darker depression of yourself. As an individual, and as an ED community, it's important to raise our voices and say "Hey, I am human, I deserve help, and you have no right to belittle me for reaching out."
So. Lets work together and believe in each other and help to educate those around us that we are not seeking attention and "lost causes"; we are human and deserve equal rights and understanding as the next person.
Again, be very proud of yourself and the strength you exhibited in taking a stand against your ED and asking for help. But please, if you would like others to write letters of complaint to this facility, do so.