Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Donation protected
"Malinda Ann Hill decided to resume treatment for her eating disorder almost as soon as she shifted to working remotely in March 2020.”
By Virginia Sole-Smith
March 31, 2021
Since January 2020, I have been debilitated by anorexia nervosa, anxiety, depression and PTSD exacerbated by the pandemic and the stalking I experienced since 2010.
On March 23, 2020, I was admitted to a virtual partial hospital program (PHP) for eating disorders.
On June 30, 2020, I was discharged from a virtual PHP because I could not afford to continue treatment and I had to return to work.
On January 31, 2021, I filed another police report due to the continued stalking.
On March 15, 2021, I was admitted to a virtual PHP for eating disorders.
On May 6, 2021, I shared my story on Capitol Hill as part of the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) Virtual Advocacy Day.
On May 14, 2021, I was suddenly discharged from a virtual PHP because it closed.
On May 17, 2021, I was admitted to a virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP).
On July 20, 2021, I was unexpectedly discharged from a virtual IOP because the treatment team recommended a higher level of care.
On August 7, 2021, I filed another police report due to the continued stalking.
On August 17, 2021, I was admitted to a virtual PHP for eating disorders.
On August 31, 2021, I received a letter from human resources informing me that my employment status would be terminated effective October 1 because the organization could not continue to hold my position because doing so would cause undue hardship.
On September 27, 2021, I was admitted to an in-person PHP for eating disorders.
On October 1, 2021, I lost my job after 19+ years of service.
On October 29, 2021, I was discharged from an in-person PHP because the program would not accept Medicaid.
On October 31, 2021, I lost my health insurance.
On November 1, 2021, I enrolled in Medicaid.
On November 3, 2021, I began individual therapy with a trauma therapist.
On May 17, 2022, I shared my story on Capitol Hill as part of the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) Virtual Advocacy Day.
On July 5, 2022, I was admitted to a residential treatment center (RTC) for eating disorders.
On July 25, 2022, I was abruptly discharged from an RTC after I filed complaints about safety concerns and a medication error.
On July 26, 2022, I returned to individual therapy with a trauma therapist.
On May 18, 2023, I shared my story on Capitol Hill as part of the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) Virtual Advocacy Day.
On September 30, 2023, I lost access to therapy because I enrolled in Medicare.
Since October 1, 2023, I have been unable to find eating disorder treatment providers who accept Medicare. It has been a demoralizing process and I am losing hope in recovery.
As of March 3, 2023, I continue to struggle physically, emotionally, mentally and financially.
On Wednesday, May 8, 2023, I will travel to D.C. to share my story with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and advocate for legislation with the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC).
I am grateful for the support from family, friends and people who care. I promise to pay it forward so others can receive treatment.
Thank you for your help.
Malinda Ann Hill
Organizer
Malinda Ann Hill
Organizer
Charlottesville, VA
