Troy's Story - Anorexia & Compulsive Exercise
March 7, 2011
Troy, 24 of Bismarck, ND is in recovery from anorexia nervosa and compulsive exercising with additional depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. His eating disorder began at 19. His appearance on the Dr. Phil Show as a male suffering from an eating disorder in January 2009 inspired him to pursue treatment for his eating disorder. Troy spent two 81 day regimens in residential treatment. Troy had to tackle his issues of self-hate, self-worth, shame, perfectionism, insecurities, and distorted views about his appearance. Today, Troy is still challenged to work towards recovery – a fight, he claims, that is worth fighting for every day!
Troy believes several factors contributed to his eating disorder, including:
- Family trauma, including emotional abuse, divorce, and father’s and relatives alcoholism
- Feeling “not good enough” before God and as a failure to living up to God’s standards
- Being teased by peers in school, although not for being overweight
- Perfectionism with a driving desire to achieve
- Stressful transition from home to college
Troy believes these things have helped with his recovery:
- Support from family, friends, colleagues, and therapists
- His faith has matured and strengthened him to pursue recovery
- Accepting that he cannot control everything and cannot be perfect
- Determination to recover and survive
- Giving meaning and purpose to his eating disorder by helping others
Currently, Troy is employed as an Education Program Administrator while pursuing his Master's Degree in Education & Mind/Brain Research. Troy is interested in offering support and encouragement to others in recovery with a message that “recovery is possible.” He volunteers with the National Eating Disorders Association, N.A.M.E.D., and is a mentor for those with eating disorders through MentorCONNECT.
If you would like to write to Troy, you can e-mail him at troy.roness@gmail.com.
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