Polly Williams From The HBO Documentary, THIN, Dies
Anorexia Has, Once Again, Taken A Young Life With So Much Potential
It has been quite some time since I've updated this site, but I really didn't want this new entry to be about the death of Pollack (Polly) Anne Williams this past Friday, February 8th. Sadly, this courageous woman took her own life. This was a shock to all who knew her, as she was getting a head start on her career as a photographer and seemed to be beating her demons.
But we were all wrong. I strongly suspect that Polly was overcome by the same bleakness and pain that drove her to attempt suicide prior to entering the Renfrew Residence for people with eating disorders in Florida. Apparently, she was so overcome with guilt and panic that she impulsively made an attempt, resulting in her being admitted to Renfrew.
Polly was, by far, my favourite patient at that facility. She was rebellious but lovable, tough but tender and when she got kicked out for giving a patient pills, my heart broke. But on her Caring Bridge Blog, she never gave an inkling of her impending death.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2008 02:48 AM, EST
As you can plainly see, Polly seemed cheerful and upbeat in her final blog entry. Yes, she was tired, but gave absolutely no hint that she was actively suicidal:
Hey guys!
I know. I am waayyyy overdue for an update. Life has just been super busy and crazy hectic. I have lots of updates, but I am just too dog-gone tired tonight. It is so late, and I have been working on stuff for my new position all evening. It is past my bedtime, so this little crazy gal needs to grab some beauty sleep. :-) I promise to update at some point this weekend.
Miss all of you so much. I know that I haven't been available much lately, but hopefully that will change soon as life calms down a bit. I just really appreciate all of your support and words of wisdom. I treasure every single message that y'all post, so thank you so much.
So...I am off to bed. Yawn! Yep, I am sleepy. :-)
Does this sound like a young woman on the verge of suicide? Everyone is shocked by this and nobody seems to have any answers. I never spoke to Polly but have followed her story. I have watched THIN several times over the past year and was rooting for all four women that were followed in Lauren Greenfield's hard-hitting documentary.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2008 01:39 AM, CST
Here, a mere twelve hours after Polly's cheerful message, this devastating piece of news was posted by her family:
Friends, It is with a sad heart that I let you know that Polly passed away February 8th around 2:00 p.m. She fought a good fight, but the Lord has called her home. Our family grieves for her earthly body, but we know that she is in heaven with her new, non-sick body, mind, and spirit. Thank you for all your support and love to her.
Staley Smith and Bebe Reed, devoted Sisters.
Unfortunately, suicide is often the cause of death for people with serious eating disorders. And since Polly had made another attempt in the past, there was always a risk of a second attempt. This is all so very sad. What a tragic waste of a life full of promise. Now her sisters, nieces and nephews are left with only memories of a dear family member who just couldn't bring herself to face another day.
Staley Smith
A feisty Polly lights up in a prohibited place. That's one reason why I liked her so much.
I'm going to have to sit back and take all of this in. Right now it feels quite surreal and doesn't seem to be sinking in yet. I will say one thing and that is to all the so-called Pro Ana fools out there: Eating disorders are not a game. Nobody really wants a life-threatening mental illness. If you are intent on losing weight, learn to eat healthfully, drink plenty of water and exercise. It's not rocket silence.