Patrick Bergstrom
Eating Disorder Activist, Speaker and Writer
Founder: I Chose To Live, LLC
Resource Person: National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) and National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders (ANAD)
I have played in many lacrosse games, where I have battled back to beat some of the fiercest opponents. Yet, little did I know, that the biggest battle of my life would take place off the playing field? Facing my past, confronting my demons and going head-to-head with my Eating Disorder have been the hardest challenges of my young life. How does one fight a war with both his mind and body? I have always been the go to player on the field but to face this disorder, I had to seek the help of those around me. I faced the “Enabling Dictator” by becoming the ultimate team player. My heart was my guide and my friends, family, therapist, and fellow teammates were my support. The only way to achieve victory is to openly ask for help!
There is Hope -
Dear I Chose To Live,
Hello! So I am relatively new to this page, (I Chose To Live) and I am highly impressed!!! I feel from your site a more down to earth real life response to eating disorder recovery, verses reading statistics from treatment centers. So I thank you for creating this site, and this organization. I have benefited from it immensely and have invited many people as well. Together recovery is possible!!!
I also wanted to take a moment to share a HUGE accomplishment that I achieved today in relation to my recovery from bulimia. Today I completed my paper work for my graduation from Massasoit Community College. I am completing my degree there for social work, hoping to one day open my own private practice to treat eating disorders and self injury. Today I turned in my paper work for my diploma, my cap and gown, for my transcripts to continue my education at Bridgewater State College where there I hope to complete my bachelor’s and Master’s degree in social work, and then going on to get certified in eating disorder treatment. I also turned in my paperwork for licensing for my LSWA degree!!! Today is one of the biggest most meaningful days in my life because my Ed made me believe this day would never come. But it did.
An associate’s degree takes 2 years to complete usually, but due to being in treatment numerous times, it has taken me longer to complete. But the fact that it took me longer to complete shows my strength and my courage. I can achieve things in this world! I am a good person who does good things and I will continue to be a good person and do good things Ed free! Today, submitting all that paper work, and starting my internship, has really provided me with extra motivation to continue working for recovery, and to continue to pursue my dreams, and that I know longer need to fear life, but need to kick its ass! Thank you again for this movement and for the opportunity to share this achievement and milestone in my life.
~ Dannielle (Recovery Teammate)