“Can’t you just go out and not drink?”

Lizabeth Leigh
Sep 3, 2018 · 2 min read

Don’t forget this, I tell my 22 year old self. Don’t forget how ridiculous this sounds. She is old, and when you are old, remember how ridiculous this sounds. Don’t ever say that when trying to help someone young.

I was in my therapist’s office. She worked with my psychiatrist, so I had to go to my appointments with her, in order to stay with my doctor and on my meds.

I was 22 and in college. The previous year I was hospitalized, for the whole month of March, because of bulimia and a nasty suicide attempt. I was still drinking and I was still suffering.

My parents were (still are) a constant support in my life. They arranged and took care of everything. I was only responsible for having to navigate my recovery.

Now I’m in my mid 40’s, (probably older than the therapist who was “so old” to me then.) I am not a big drinker, I don’t binge or purge. I don’t self harm. I have always religiously taken my meds. I can look back and see myself in that chair in her office like it was yesterday.

I’m glad I made it to this place in life. I am able to look back, remember and know for certain that things will get better…because they did.

I am healthier now than I’ve ever been.

But to the 20 somethings. Listen. Learn. Keep going. Older people really can help you. Especially if they themselves have been there. Remember that.

So, tell me. “Can’t you just go out and not drink?”

Invisible Illness

We don't talk enough about mental health.

Lizabeth Leigh

Written by

I’m not a writer. I come up with what I want to say when I’m walking my dog. Or in the shower. Then I hurry to my laptop to jot it down before I forget!

Invisible Illness

We don't talk enough about mental health.

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