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Available MENTEES**:

Jen: Hi, I found your recovery site via an email search. I have been looking for something like this for a long time and have been unable to find anything, so I really hope you can help put me in touch with someone who would like to be my mentor. Some details about me are: I have been struggling with bulimia for 10 years, I am 26 years old. I have been through an inpatient treatment program in Denver in 2003, which helped immensely and stopped my binging and purging (so I know it can be done!) I was only completely ED free for a few months. I started seeing a therapist in 2001 and have ever since. I have been through many support groups, therapists, doctors, and nutritionists. I currently am only seeing a therapist and doctor. I have come along way since I started recovery and know more about who I am and what I want and how to get there. I am at the point of sheer frustration, though. I don't want to live like this anymore. I really need more help and am still scared to reach out. Going back to an inpatient treatment program is not feasible right now, and there is nothing available where I live (Montana) as far as support groups, mentors, or alternative treatments. My only option has been to see an individual therapist. I know I benefit so much when I can have daily check-ins and support, but I have not been able to get that here. I have so much more to share, but I'll leave it at that for now.

Kimberly: Hi! My name is Kim and I am a rising junior in college. I was diagnosed with an eating disorder (EDNOS, for lack of a better, more specific diagnosis) in early March of this year. I have been in therapy at school for 4 months, but now that I am home for summer break, my resources are seriously limited, as no one in my family knows about my disorder. The only person who does know (aside from my therapist) is my best friend and roommate. It has caused a serious rift between us and she is really upset by it. In therapy, I've been working to "sort through my bowl of spaghetti" as my therapist says. My life and my problems are like a bowl of spaghetti - it's tangled and everything is all tied together and all I can do is take out one strand at a time and work on it. One of the biggest issues she's been helping me tackle is working on my self-esteem and my guilt complex. I have a tremendously difficult time not feeling guilty - for everything from getting a bad grade to getting a friend lost with driving directions to forgetting to set the dinner table. I take a lot of my mistakes and faults very seriously and I don't feel worthy of praise and good things sometimes because of my guilt. Somehow I have taken it upon myself to be the one to fix everyone else's problems at the expense of my own life and happiness and I can't get out of the mindset that that's just my job. My support system is close to nothing, since I am not able to see my therapist at school now that I am home for the summer, and I am incredibly hesitant to ask my parents to help me find a therapist at home because they do not know about my eating disorder, and I don't want them to. I really hope that this mentor/mentee program works out because it is my only way to get help right now.

Alyssa: Hi my name is Alyssa. I am a 20 year old female. I am looking for a mentor who can offer advice on overcoming bulimia. I have had anorexia/bulimia for about 9 years. Thank you!

Christina: My name is Christina and I am in my early 30s. I was recovered from EDNOS/ Anorexic Bulimic tendencies for about 5 years, have dealt with the ed for a total of about 10 and in the past year/ year and a half I have relapsed and I am dealing with anorexia/ restricting. I have also moved across the country and started a new job. I just started with a new therapist and nutritionist but feel that I need more support to get out of the relapse that I am in. I can't seem to pull myself out and although i had a long period of recovery, I don't know that I ever really let go of the sense of control that I feel ed gives me.

Emerson: Eating Disorder: Anorexia; Behaviors: Water Restricting, Picking, Over exersising; Length with Anorexia: 3 years; In Recovery: 8 months; Current support team: UCSD Eating Disorders clinic; Recovery goals: To love my GENES and wear JEANS that fit, to be comfortable in my own skin, and to be able to deal with my problems without resorting to my eating disorder; Learned: How to cope without using my eating disorder.

Lisa: Hello my name is Lisa and I am 31 years old. I have been struggling with food my whole life but over the last 2 years I have had anarexia and bulimia. I was in a recovery program that consisted of once weekly sessions with a therapist but two weeks ago she told me not to come back until I was willing to get more serious and get more help. I want to get better but I have no one in my life. The only one who knows about my eating disorder is my sister and I really feel like she has no idea as to what I am going through. She just tells me to eat! I have no friends and no social life. I am really looking for someone who understands how I feel and that I can confide in. I am at a point were I really do not know what to do. I binge and purge at least once a day and I really feel like I cannot control it. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Sarah Jo: I'm interested in becoming a Mentee. Here's a bit about me: I'm 30-ish, female. Type of eating disorder: ana; ana + bulumia in the past; Any other recovery-related issues you are working on: saying no, guilt; Length of illness: about 15 years; Length of time pursuing recovery: about 3 years, did best during last half of pregnancy (almost 9 months ago), not doing so great again; Current support team: husband, long-distance friend, family members (indirectly); Recovery goals: Be more comfortable with eating foods I haven’t prepared/eating out. Gain at least 5-10 pounds. Feel comfortable about my body and that 5 pounds. Be happier as a result of not dealing with an ED.; Key learnings from your recovery journey thus far: used to meal plan and did better about meeting all my daily caloric needs that way. Don’t meal plan currently, but there are days when the food I’m eating isn’t as familiar, therefore I tend to restrict.

Ashley: My name is Ashley I am 26 and have been dealing with Bulimia for 13 years. I am had 7 months free and clear but relapsed in January and have been having a time getting back into the flow of living. I am looking for someone who can be on my side , someone who has been where I was and knows how to comfort me when my brain tells me stupid things, like I am going to be fat blah blah. Someone who can back up my spirit and remind me of the faith that presides in my heart. Someone who is 30-40 possibly a female. I am really ready to be out of this. I would love someone who is into yoga and the healing arts understands diets that withold sugar wheat and flour.. Oh i live in San Francisco! Thank you!

Kristen: Hello. My name is Kristen and I'm looking for a mentor to help me along in my recovery from bulimia. I'm 21 years old and have struggled with my eating disorder for about 3 years. I also struggle with depression and anxiety, which I believe is why my eating disorder developed. My support team currently consists of my parents, a therapist, a psychiatrist, and a medical doctor. I am doing well so far and have made it 41 days without bingeing or purging. Now I'm trying to take the necessary steps to stay in recovery and prevent relapse. Having a mentor would be a huge help so I can talk to someone that can relate to what I'm going through, and hopefully learn from their experiences. Thanks and I hope to hear from someone soon!

Jessi: Hi I have struggled with body image and that need for control by controlling my weight for as long as i can remember. But starting three years ago i did it so often and began cycles of purging as well. I am now 15 years old and seince january 08 for the first time (after reading Jennys book) i want to recover but breaking the cycles is near impossible. Weight gain really well it sucks. I am seeing a councelor and nutritionist now (willingly) for the first time. But i really am looking for someone to vent to when i need it. Before i start EDs designated no eating day, and before i stick my head over a toilet. So i was struggling today so i went to jennys blog and i heard about this idea i think it is awsome. I'd love to be a mentee - thanks so much.

Lisa: My name is Lisa and I am 42. Of course, by my name, you may have guessed I am female. I am currently fighting Anorexia and Exercise Bulimia. I have had this disorder since about the age of 18. I have had periods of recovery and periods of relapse. About he last 10 years or so, it has been more of a relapse than recovery. I have been pursuing recovery since the age of 22 and have been to treatment several times. I have been exposed to CBT skills, DBT skills and plenty of nutrition classes. I am working on grief issues and attend a therapy group that is located about 60 miles from my house. Since the gas prices has been escalating, I can attend only about once a month. I live in an area that resources for eating disorders are few and far between. I only have access to Overeaters Anonymous and limited meetings with that. There are no eating disorder therapists in my area that take my issurance and I can't afford out of pocket expenses. I have learned a lot in pursuing recovery but still have yet to learn how to live "life on life's terms" symptom free.I would appreciate any guidance that someone has the time to give. Please let me know. Thank you very much.

Cait: Hi, my name is Cait and I'm 20 years old. I have been bulimic for four years. It started in high school when I played tennis. I became addicted to working out. I got hurt and had to have knee surgery, so I had to sit out for a season. That's when I started restricting, and eventually it led to bulimia. I have finally accepted that I need help. I haven't told anyone in four years, and I now know that I can't recover alone, that's why I'm looking for a mentor, someone who might have gone through the same thing and someone that I can talk to. I want so bad for bulimia not to be a part of my life anymore. I'm taking my life back, and with a little help, I know I can do it. Thanks :)

Janet: I am looking for a mentor to assist me in my recovery from eating disorder. I am a female in my 50’s who has been bulimic for 43 years. I am doing well in my recovery but sometimes binge once or twice a month. thanks.
Jade: Age: 30; Gender: F; Type of ED: EDNOS/Anexoria and Exercise Bulimia; Recovery-related issues: Just taking one day at a time; Length of illness: about 2 years; Length of time pursuring recovery: about 7 months; Current support team: Boyfriend and family, some friends; Recovery goals: Stop seeing the numbers and start loving myself. I am looking to be a mentee. Right now I cannot afford the treatment needed, but honestly think that I am doing okay. (Family and boyfriend also agree, even though we would all love to see me in some sort of treatment) I have been able to get myself to increase my calories. I am not really exercising right now, but would like to start again, just worried about the exercise bulimia causing issues again.

Sara: I'm looking for a mentor. I'm 21. I've been struggling with both anorexia and bulimia for 7 years--currently bulimia. I work with 2 therapists and a dietitian, and I'm about to go to residential treatment. I've been in recovery for almost 6 months, but I've been getting worse instead of better--just went from an anorexic period into a bulimic period. I guess my biggest goal in recovery is to build a life worth recovering TO, rather than just trying to recover FROM this stuff. Thanks.

Zahra: I'm writing because I read Jenni Shaefer's blog post about finding a mentor. So here is the basic information about me: Age: 20; Disorder: Anorexic/Bulimic from 16-present; Recovery: Second year of recovery, seeing a therapist and am on medication (prozac) to battle depression; Eating patterns: Usually quite normal although I tend to binge/purge 2-3 times a week; Looking for: a mentee. Thanks!

Lindsey: Hi, my name is Lindsey and I'm looking for a Mentor. I'm 20, female and bulimic. I have been bulimic for about five years now, and I'm ready to gain my life back. I've realized it's taking over who I am, and I don't want that any more. I've never really done a recovery thing before, i'm struggling to do this on my own. I have a friend who is anorexic lives in Australia ,but is now unable to talk very much. I think i'm loosing my grip without someone there to talk to, and would love someone who shares the same things and understands. I've never been the self harm person, but I have done it a few times. I don't really have the desire to ever do it again, but the thought still lingers.. if that makes sense.

Patrick: Dear Key To Life, I was recently on your website and I would like to join the program. I am a 25 year old former men's college lacrosse player and I have just returned from recovery in Florida. My recovery changed my life, yet I know my recovery has just started. My goal now is to help others. I would love to be apart of the mentor, mentee program. For there are times that I feel alone being a guy and fighting this disorder. I haven't been in recovery for more than a year, so I would need to be a mentee. I look forward to hearing back from you. I am attaching my life story I wrote while in recovery, and a poem. This will help you better understand me and my recovery. Keep up the great work and I am truly excited about this.

Jayde: Hi there, my name is Jayde and I am 17 years old female and I have suffered with anorexia and bulimia for nearly 3/4years now….. I have been trying so hard to recover from it but it’s just so hard that I am finding it impossibly hard to do! I have been in and out of hospital many of times. I have just recently moved from Australia to the UK and it’s just getting hard for me. I guess I am looking for someone or something to help me and talk to me….. or even help me through this illness I just wish it would end. I am looking for someone to support me .. Many thanks.

Angela: My name is Angela. I am 24 years old, and I have struggled with eating disorder behaviors since around age 6, and it has been full blown since middle school. I entered treatment for the first time in 2001-about 2 weeks after coming to college (I was forced in by the school). Its been an up and down process ever since. I stopped my treatment in 2006 and I was doing 'ok' for the most part (on the outside that is), but I have slipped back again. Its funny because I always found myself to be the one helping others, and now I am the one who needs it. My diagnosis is anorexia. My main issues are with restricting and over-exercising. I have never binged. I have engaged in purging behaviors before, such as vomiting and diuretics. I still purge by vomiting sometimes, but that is nowhere near what it used to be when I was in high school (6x a day then, now maybe a few times a week). The restriction is totally out of control now. I basically eat nothing. I am starting back treatment by seeing my eating disorder specialist again, and I have my first appointment coming up soon. I have a great husband who has been my strength, and my relationship with God has brought me to where I am today. I know it is because of Him that I am alive today. My husband is a youth minister and we both will be in full-time ministry eventually, but first I've got to get my life back. My main focus right now is to work on the 'whys' of the eating disorder. Its been such a long road for me, and it seems as though I always find myself back in this place again. I don't quite know why I need it so and why I can't break free, but that's the point of starting treatment again I suppose...to help me gain answers about myself. I have an extensive knowledge of eating disorders and I've been in an intensive program twice, in addition to the outpatient counseling with an eating disorder specialist. I guess I am looking for someone who understands, because while I know a lot of great people, most just don't get it because either they have never struggled with anything like this, or even if they have had an eating disorder it hasn't been to the severe degree that mine is, and they just expect me to snap out of it or something. Thanks so much for the opportunity. I hope that all of this is clear. Blessings!

Allison: I'm 21 and have been diagnosed with ED-NOS, my symptoms being restricting and compulsive exercising. I just got out of a partial hospitalization program, Centre Syracuse, last week. I was there for 8 weeks and it was my second time there. (I was there for five weeks last summer.) I've had my eating disorder since I was 15 or 16, but it didn't get addressed until March or April of last year. I currently have a therapist, a PA who manages my meds, a nutritionist I see periodically but keep in touch with, and a support group that I go to weekly. The support group is held at Centre Syracuse for people who have been through the program. This past time in treatment I actually made a lot of progress and discovered some of the things that I need to work on and how my eating disorder serves me. I realized that I use it to block out my emotions. So one of my goals is to let myself feel the emotions that make me uncomfortable--anger, anxiety, sadness, etc--and to identify and sort through them. I also realized that I use my eating disorder as a way of communicating, so I also want to work on being able to confront people--especially my parents--when I am bothered by something, am not doing well, or am upset. I also realized that I still have anger issues, so that's another thing I need to work through. I also didn't realize that I still identify myself with the eating disorder. My body image is also pretty terrible, so I am trying to work on accepting that. I think that's about it. Thanks.


NOTE: Remember, to join MentorCONNECT is free. Just send us an and let us know who you are, where you are in your recovery, and what you are looking for (to be a mentor or a mentee).

Details you might want to include: your email address, your first name (or alias for confidentiality), age, gender, type of eating disorder, any other recovery-related issues you are working on, length of illness, length of time pursuing recovery, current support team, recovery goals, key learnings from your recovery journey thus far, anything else you wish to share.

We will post the emails here on this page and you can connect with one another! Any questions - us and we will do our best to answer them for you!

*Mentor: a trusted guide who has knowledge and experience in a certain area, and is willing and able to share it.
**Mentee: a person in need of guidance and instruction, and is willing to receive it.

NOTE: This free forum is provided as an option to connect those in strong recovery with those who are striving to strengthen in their recovery. It is NOT meant to replace the supervision and care of a qualified medical professional, and should never be construed as such. Use this service at your own risk. Shannon Cutts & Key to Life can NOT be held liable for any activities undertaken as a part or result of participating in this unmonitored forum.

NOTE TO MINORS: Before participating, obtain permission from your parents or legal guardian(s).