Amie’s Journals
“My Eating Disorder Story”
In 2016, PTSD hit Amie Shields, founder of Charis Eating Disorder Care, pulling her back into the depths of her eating disorder and major clinical depression. The years that followed were some of the most challenging she had ever faced, yet they became the catalyst for a profound transformation in her life and future.
Read her journal entries from residential treatment as she navigated her eating disorder recovery.
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“In May 2017, I was discharged for the second time from a residential treatment facility for eating disorders. More about how amazing this place is later, but going to treatment twice happened within the year for me. Over years of intense therapy, these are what I believe to be the roots of my eating disorder, anorexia nervosa.”
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After enduring multiple career changes, relocations, financial struggles, health concerns, and raising four children, Amie's life began to unravel again in the fall of 2015. Within months, her weight plummeted to an unhealthy range, prompting medical professionals to insist on residential treatment for her safety.
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On August 29, 2016, Amie entered a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders, marking a pivotal moment in her recovery journey. During her time in treatment, she began journaling to document her experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Here are her journals from August 29, 2016 to September 4, 2016.
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Amie’s journal entries from a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders: September 5, 2016 - September 11, 2016
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Amie’s journal entries from a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders: September 12, 2016 - September 18, 2016
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Amie’s journal entries from a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders: September 19, 2016 - September 25, 2016
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Amie’s journal entries from a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders: September 26, 2016 - October 2, 2016
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Amie’s journal entries from a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders: October 3, 2016 - October 12, 2016
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From October 13, 2016, to January 22, 2017, Amie returned home from treatment. However, she quickly became overwhelmed and fell into a deep depression, worsening her eating disorder behaviors and leading to health concerns. Amie found herself preparing to enter treatment for the second time, but with a renewed commitment to her recovery.
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Amie’s journal entries from her second time at a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders: January 24, 2017 - January 29, 2017
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Amie’s journal entries from her second time at a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders: January 30, 2017 - February 5, 2019
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Amie’s journal entries from her second time at a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders: February 6, 2017 - February 12, 2017
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Amie’s journal entries from her second time at a medical residential treatment facility for eating disorders: February 13, 2017 - February 19, 2017
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Post treatment, Amie reflects on the challenges and joys of celebrating the holiday season while navigating recovery from an eating disorder. She shares personal insights on maintaining recovery priorities amidst festive traditions and family gatherings.
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To honor the one-year anniversary of her return to a medical residential treatment facility, Amie writes a heartfelt letter to the current patients.