I can't thank you both for having the courage to share your story. Mine is so similar and is still going on. My daughter has anorexia and bulimia and so did I when I was her age. she has been in and out of treatment centers and I am at my wits end. Judy, is there one thing that helped you break through to Alexis? Alexis, was there anything that your mother said that finally go through to you? Or was there anything that anyone said or did that finally broke through? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I would say that being open and honest is critical through the process. I would be sensitive to what kind of day it was and focus on Alexis. Since I had experienced the challenge myself, I found it didn't help to share what helped me but see what helped her. In the end, I really think that the antidepressant was a big help to Alexis too. Also, Alexis found a great group of friends and a belonging through our church that i believed helped her to understand she was loved by all just the way she was.. Alexis needed my total attention and time - it was about her this round not me. That's what I tried to focus on. Now we focus on healthy eating and good exercise habits. Also making sure that what she says to herself is positive and self loving. Affirmations combined with good intentions and prayer do make a difference.