Cherry Boone O'Neill - Living with Anorexia in the 1970s

[@harperleigh3732]

My anorexia started when this book came out. It triggered me and I wanted to be like her. When I had eating disorders I accumulated a large library of books about eating disorders, There was no internet back then and not a lot was known about eating disorders.

[@Dianalynn62]

I was 19 when I was diagnosed in 1983.. I married a very controlling man who had alcoholism..I lived in Spain away from my family..I was exercising a lot..allowed myself lettuce and 5 crackers with a little peanut butter a day and was taking 60 laxatives at a time..when I did eat more than usual because people were watching me...I would purge...I weighed myself 3 times a day...was hospitalized 3 times..the last time in the hospital the doctor said he gave me a week to live at the rate I was going... it was horrible... trying to gain weight was horrifying... I couldn't keep anything down for month's...My Mom had sent me Cherry's book and I had thrown it in a corner somewhere.. but the Lord and that book got me on a road of recovery and saved my life!! Thank you, Cherry for writing that book!!.....I feel badly for kids these days that struggle with this disease..

[@wellbeing2353]

Thank you for sharing your story @Dianalynn62 - that's good to hear Cherry's book was able to help you in your journey

[@tenashearer4119]

I read Cherrys book when it came out. I was very concerned about her. It is good to hear what she has to say now. I am so happy things turned out well for her.

[@tatteredquilt]

Cherry is one of the kindest people out there. I got a copy of her book when it first came out, and was in a psych hospital for anorexia back when that's the only option for someone who was 18. It was a great source of encouragement.

[@kac3249]

That’s wonderful you got better, thank God. Too bad about Karen Carpenter that had struggled and didn’t receive right help in time. God gave her a lovely voice. I hope I see Karen one day in heaven I hope she possibly found the Lord before she lost her life here. Your family has been a memorable one in the country.

[@user-ds6rj3zv7j]

Hello cherry