ANXIETY : I FELT LOST

After Tayden opened his heart to us in the previous episode—letting us into the private corners of his life, his trauma, and the anxiety he has carried as a transgender male—we turn now to his twin sister. This is an edited conversation I had with her two years ago, in 2024, and her story is one that still shakes me every time I revisit it. Loren… from the moment she could walk, she filled every room with an excitable and contagious energy...light and positive. An extroverted, spirited, unstoppable child. And then high school happened. The emotional bullying she endured carved wounds far deeper than any of us realized. Those wounds led her into heartbreaking circumstances—some from poor decisions she bravely owns today, others from the cruel luck no child should ever face. She survived sexual abuse as a young teen, fought her way through self‑harm, suicidal thoughts, substance use, and terrifying panic attacks.   As parents, we saw her slipping, and we tried so hard to reach her—but so much of the battle was invisible, happening inside her. And in the chaos of everything she couldn’t control, she held on to the one thing she thought she could control : her eating. What started as a coping mechanism became a relentless eating disorder that consumed her strength and our hearts. At this time, she was also diagnosed with BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) Loren, you are a warrior. You have been to the darkest places and still, somehow, you offer the world the kindest heart imaginable. You will move mountains. You already have. Mom and Dad love you more than words will ever say. To everyone listening: thank you for being here. Please subscribe, share your thoughts, and above all, know that this is a space where you are seen, welcomed, and never judged. To our listeners, please subscribe and share your thoughts. Our aim is to create a space where everyone feels welcome and free of judgment. Spoiler alert : points discussed #eatingdisorders #suicidalideation #substanceabuse #ed Come heal with us...