Each path to Arabella is unique

The path leading to Arabella House and the road to recovery afterward are unique for each woman in the eating disorder program.

Some have distorted body images, while others are trying to numb the emotional pain in their lives.

But one thing they do have in common is a problem that can be life-threatening.

"Eating disorders are serious mental health illnesses. They're not lifestyle choices," said Ovidio Bermudez, medical director of Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital's Eating Disorders Program in Oklahoma and a member of the National Eating Disorder Association board of directors.

There are about 7 million to 10 million women and 1 million men suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.

Roughly 86 percent of those affected will experience the onset of the disorder by age 20.

Bermudez said there is a genetic basis to the disorders. On top of that, some people also have personality characteristics that can make them more vulnerable to developing an eating disorder. For those who are already wired to be susceptible, environmental factors can act as a trigger.

Being teased as a child, pressure from athletic teammates and coaches to lose weight, parents who have unhealthy relationships with food and media images can all apply, said Bev Watson, clinical leader at Arabella House.

Perfectionism is among the more common traits seen in people with eating disorders. And it's routine in a town like Naperville where children are typically involved in numerous activities and feel pressure to succeed in everything they do, said Jill Jacobe, clinical therapist at Arabella.

"How much can you push them to strive and make all these goals without it having an effect on their psyche?" she said. "Then you turn around and life is moving so fast and no one notices until it's too late."

The average stay at Arabella House is about six weeks, although it is not uncommon for health insurance coverage to dictate how long a woman can afford to live there.

Without insurance, costs are as much as $500 a day to live, eat and receive treatment. Some scholarship money is available through the Edward Foundation.

Before a resident leaves, she makes appointments with a therapist, dietitian and psychiatrist to continue the recovery process. Linden Oaks offers weekly support groups for women who have gone through the Arabella program.

Watson estimates about 20 to 25 percent of Arabella residents end up being readmitted to a hospital at some point after the program, but some of those, she said, are for preventive measures when they feel they're slipping.

"It's kind of like going up a mountain one step at a time," she said. "You might slip a little but you continue to go to the pinnacle of recovery and everyone reaches the pinnacle at different stages of life. For some it's a year and for some it's 40 years."

The main cause of relapse she sees is women going off their medication, such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication, either because they can't afford it or because they think they don't need it any longer.

The reality is that still others manage to beat their eating disorders but turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their emotions instead.

Former resident Amy, a student at DePaul University, said it is helpful to still have the Arabella team just a phone call away if she needs their support, and her mother, Marla, said she sees a more social daughter who is enjoying life more fully.

"It's not like she's suddenly cured; it's a long process and she needs to keep up with her health, go to support groups here and there ... but it doesn't control her life anymore," Marla said.

"She's living like a normal person for the first time in awhile."