It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, but I’ve been aware of eating disorders my entire life
Abby Norman in Human Parts
Trigger Warning: This story contains a graphic portrayal of my mother’s struggle with anorexia nervosa. If you are currently struggling, or are recovered, you may find elements of this story triggering. Reader discretion is advised.
I’LL NEVER FORGET THE SOUND. The painful retching from behind the bathroom door. Most mornings I would wake up to the sound, as my childhood bedroom was just one wall away from the bathroom. When I was little, I had no concept of bulimia; no concept of throwing up at all, really. I would hear the strangled sounds emanating from the bathroom and panic would swell up inside of me; my mother was in pain, she was hurting. I should rescue her.
I would pound my small fists against the bathroom door, crying. I would ask her what was wrong. I would always ask if she was okay. Her answer was exactly the same every time: