Recovering from Eating Disorders

Don't Beat Yourself Up

It is easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism and this is the most common symptom of eating disorders, but this is not going to make recovery any easier. But this is one of the habits that must be changed or it will only exacerbate an already difficult situation. Do your best to fight negativity and stay positive, use affirmations to strengthen the mind and bolster your resolve.

Don't Blame Your Family

It is true that many eating disorders can be traced back to the bad influences received from parents, but it is good to remember that many other reasons exist including environmental and genetic behaviors as well. There is no such thing as a perfect family and it could be that your family is not being very supportive. But it could be that they simply don’t know how to support you. Speak to your treatment counselor as they may have some ideas on how you can process your relationships and to benefit you through the recovery process. Sometimes the best thing to do will be to schedule family therapy sessions and suggest that your out-of-town family members attend online counseling with you.

Don't Attempt Recovery on Your Own

It can be a temptation to attempt this difficult process all by yourself, but there have been studies that show specialized treatment teams are the most effective way to recover from eating disorders. Even though self-help, independent work and sheer will power can be beneficial to a certain degree, this can’t match the beneficial power of finding a good therapist, doctor or dietician to help out in this regard. Because they have years of training and experience, their help can provide practices and insights that are especially effective. (Exception: there may be cases where specialists are simply not available or affordable and this is when self-help and guided self-help practices can help you to combat binge eating and bulimia disorders.)

Don't Put the Needs of Others Above Your Own

It is easy to fall into the habit of looking to help others before you help yourself. Many times, because it is easier to be a support to others when you don’t know how to be a support to yourself. Even more so when you have friends and family members who are also fighting an eating disorder. But it is essential to your recovery to make the time and effort to place your needs in high priority and determine how much help you can provide others while still giving plenty of help to yourself.

Don't Think You Aren't Worth the Cost

The treatment and effort needed to make a full recovery from eating disorders is not cheap and can also be time-consuming. Try your best to ignore the thoughts that tell you are not worth the time, financial investment or effort needed to make this recovery. Speak with your treatment providers about your feelings. You will find that there are often many ways to find treatment that is less expensive.

Don't Lose Hope

Eating orders can be dangerous and have taken many lives. But it is important to remember that they are also very treatable and recovery is not only possible, but inevitable with just a small amount of attention and commitment. So, if you feel you are beginning to lose hope, turn that thought around fast or it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Stay positive, it is easy to give in to a mere moment of negativity when all around you seems to support your bleak outlook, but it is in this moment when things look bleak that you mustn’t quit.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Ideally, you will be surrounded by an awesome team of supportive friends, treatment experts and counselors who you can call on for support. Sometimes this will mean relying on the family you have and giving them the chance to help you out. This help may mean being with you for meals and other daily processes, especially thought processes. Don't be afraid to ask.

Don't Keep Your Condition a Secret

Keeping secrets is not a good way to get help and can even add to the problem by making you feel completely isolated by adding shame to the process. But you will need to find those who have earned your trust to be there for you when you need it. If they know what is happening with you then they will be more likely to be able to help you in the ways you need it most.

Don't Be Impatient With Recovery

A full recovery is no small process and most likely will mean committing to a lifetime of keeping negativity in check. While this may seem daunting it is actually quite easy as soon as you have committed to the constant battle as it will get easier. Just have a little faith in yourself, trust your process and never think that far ahead — it is the moment and the struggle of the present that is all you have to concern yourself with.

Do Listen to Your Treatment Team

Your team of treatment professionals should be selected from those with extensive experience and training in helping people with these eating disorders. Listen carefully to their recommendations even if they seem scary or daunting to you. Adopting new meal plans, taking medication and looking for help can be the very thing you need to make this recovery.