Personal Statement

A comorbid eating disorder is the death trap which allowed Anorexia and ARFID

to nearly kill me.

I first began to struggle with my eating disorders in January of 2021. I was battling a

depressive episode and crippling anxiety attacks everyday. I felt insane as I had lost every ounce

of control I had over my emotions. The only area I felt I could control was my food intake. I was

brainwashed by my disorders to believe that I was making the decision to restrict. I was under

the impression that my behavior was normal and that everyone felt compelled to stare at

themselves in the mirror and grab at areas they wanted removed.

Eventually, I was caught and my behaviors became monitored by my family. We tried to

take on the monster that was my disorder, yet I was not strong enough to fight off the urge to

skip my meals, hide food, and guilt myself into believing I did not deserve to eat. It became too

much, and I was then admitted to the UCSD partial hospitalization program.

After four months in my treatment, I am blessed to say through the physically and

mentally draining hours I spent in therapy, I am now victorious. When my battle began and I was

losing the fight, I lost touch with my values due to a disconnect between who I was and who I

wanted to be. I let go of my priorities when I allowed my grades to slip because I was not

physically strong enough to stay awake. I now know who I am and I believe that my new self

concept will allow me to become a better student and person. I value myself not for my

appearance, but for my strength and intelligence that I will share in the future to prevent others

from giving into the horrible diseases I have endured. Due to my persistance in recovery, I have

regained the vigor to devote myself to my studies in order to further my education and become a
valuable contributor to the community.