Overview

Stupid. Fat. Freak. These are the labels Melissa Binstock bestowed upon herself. Diagnosed with six different disorders by the age of eleven, Melissa was drowning in medications, treatments, and isolation. Feeling defined and controlled by Tourette syndrome, dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorder, and anorexia, Melissa spent her teenage years emotionally empty, socially stunted, and filled with confusion and self-hatred. How must it feel to live with so many life-altering disorders simultaneously and what wisdom can be found through living such a tortured existence? In this brutally honest account of her quest for love, acceptance, and the physical and emotional nourishment she desperately needed, Melissa Binstock takes you on a journey through the complex world of neurological and emotional disorders. You will be mesmerized and inspired as she shares her struggles to refeed her starving mind, body, and soul in her quest to become fully nourished.

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9780757315428

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<p>This unforgettable memoir chronicles the torment and challenges that plague the author. She is diagnosed with various psychological and neurological disorders by the young age of eleven years. As a teenager, unable to cope at home with family and peers, Melissa becomes acquainted with a new-found type of therapy through her equestrian accomplishments. Soon, however, she forms a love-hate relationship with her equestrian trainer, Melanie. It is Melanie who convinces Melissa that Melissa's mother does not love her as a daughter. This unhealthy relationship coupled with Melissa's fragile system, sends Melissa into a serious bout of mental illness and anorexia nervosa. It is pretty cool that Melissa finally admits to her family she needs outside help, and chooses her own residential treatment center for this eating disorder. Once inside of this facility, Melissa generously allows the reader to eavesdrop into the day-to-day world of those who suffer from this plight. There is nothing pre

This unforgettable memoir chronicles the torment and challenges that plague the author. She is diagnosed with various psychological and neurological disorders by the young age of eleven years. As a teenager, unable to cope at home with family and peers, Melissa becomes acquainted with a new-found type of therapy through her equestrian accomplishments. Soon, however, she forms a love-hate relationship with her equestrian trainer, Melanie. It is Melanie who convinces Melissa that Melissa's mother does not love her as a daughter. This unhealthy relationship coupled with Melissa's fragile system, sends Melissa into a serious bout of mental illness and anorexia nervosa. It is pretty cool that Melissa finally admits to her family she needs outside help, and chooses her own residential treatment center for this eating disorder. Once inside of this facility, Melissa generously allows the reader to eavesdrop into the day-to-day world of those who suffer from this plight. There is nothing pretty about it. Here, she is no longer an ugly duckling among her peers, but rather an elegant swan among the other swans. Only by testing her inner strength does Melissa learn how to deal with this eating disorder. However, it seems like each time she finds success, she relapses into a spiraling motion of setbacks. What can save her? Will Melissa ultimately find the will to survive this nightmare? This is a great read for teenagers who suffer from mental illness, peer acceptance issues, and eating disorders.--Sharon Blumberg VOYA This unforgettable memoir chronicles the torment and challenges that plague the author. She is diagnosed with various psychological and neurological disorders by the young age of eleven years. As a teenager, unable to cope at home with family and peers, Melissa becomes acquainted with a new-found type of therapy through her equestrian accomplishments. Soon, however, she forms a love-hate relationship with her equestrian trainer, Melanie. It is Melanie who convinces Melissa that Melissa's mother does not love her as a daughter. This unhealthy relationship coupled with Melissa's fragile system, sends Melissa into a serious bout of mental illness and anorexia nervosa. It is pretty cool that Melissa finally admits to her family she needs outside help, and chooses her own residential treatment center for this eating disorder. Once inside of this facility, Melissa generously allows the reader to eavesdrop into the day-to-day world of those who suffer from this plight. There is nothing pretty about it. Here, she is no longer an ugly duckling among her peers, but rather an elegant swan among the other swans. Only by testing her inner strength does Melissa learn how to deal with this eating disorder. However, it seems like each time she finds success, she relapses into a spiraling motion of setbacks. What can save her? Will Melissa ultimately find the will to survive this nightmare? This is a great read for teenagers who suffer from mental illness, peer acceptance issues, and eating disorders.--Sharon Blumberg VOYA

Author Information

Melissa Binstock (Houston, TX) began writing Nourishment just prior to entering the first of several residential treatment facilities for anorexia nervosa when she was fifteen. In 2005, Melissa was awarded the Gold Key Award by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers for excerpts of Nourishment, and in 2006, she was invited to the Grand Rounds at Texas Children's Hospital to read excerpts of Nourishment at an eating disorders conference. In 2009, Melissa was invited to give a lecture about Nourishment at Texas Women's University and was interviewed by the Houston Chronicle. In 2010, she was invited to be the keynote speaker and honoree at the Tourette's Syndrome Foundation annual gala. Melissa was recently accepted by South Texas College of Law for Spring 2013, where she will obtain her law degree. She plans to pursue a career in mental health advocacy. Melissa currently lives at home with her parents and siblings in Houston, Texas, and enjoys horseback riding in her free time. Learn more at www.nourishmentthebook.com.

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