I am growing increasingly worried about Becky+.
Becky has always been heavy, but nothing, nothing like she is right now. If anything, she has only gotten heavier, to the point to where she cannot even leave her house without help and needing supplimental oxygen, because she cannot breathe.
I know Becky has always had problems. Serious problems, some of them stemming since her childhood. She was the product of a broken marriage and was forever being shuttled from one relative to the next, sometimes ending in foster care when the relatives fought. She was often verbally abused by her daddy, who drank himself to death; her mother, meanwhile, showed no interest in her. Therefore, Becky turned to the thing she felt she could comfort her:: food.
Even when she started gaining weight, nobody seemed to pay attention. Becky felt alone, unwanted, unloved.
After graduating high school, Becky got a job as a secretary, but then her boss started hitting on her. Scared, Becky left that job and searched for another. To her surprise, nobody wanted her because they felt her weight would be a hindrance; she was "too much of an insurance risk", they kept telling her. So Becky went back to her food and back to eating. And the pounds were added.
Becky became depressed. She had to file for disability. After three years of fighting, she was finally approved, but it was less than $540 a month. After bills, some months left her living on less than $80.00.
Becky has since gained even more weight. She weighs over 600 pounds easily. She is unable to get around and when she can, the exertion leaves her gasping for breath. The only time Becky gets out of the house is to go to doctor's appointments (or in the hospital if she gets sick or if her breathing is compromised).
She has a very sad, miserable life.
It's no wonder I'm worried about her. I have known Becky since grade school and she has always had a sweet, shy demeanor about her. But because of people taking advantage of her, she has taken to food for her god, and it has paid a price on her health. She is in danger of having a massive stroke or heart attack (and other problems), and she is only in her middle 30's, far too young to be facing all of this.
I wish I knew what to say or do to help her. I don't want to lose my friend. Any ideas on how I can help her would be greatly appreciated!
+Not woman's real name.
