Mental Health - EATING DISORDERS - Treatment-and-Recovery

Treatment and Recovery

The inner voices of anorexia and bulimia whisper that you’ll never be happy until you lose weight and that your worth is measured by how you look. But the truth is that happiness and self-esteem come from loving yourself for who you truly are, and that’s only possible with recovery.

It may seem like there’s no escape from your eating disorder, but remember you are not alone in your struggle. Millions of men, women, girls and boys struggle with anorexia and bulimia and manage to recover. With treatment, support from others, and smart self-help strategies, you can overcome your eating disorder and gain true self-confidence.

Eating disorder recovery

The road to recovery starts with admitting you have a problem. This admission can be tough, especially if you’re still clinging to the belief–even in the back of your mind–that weight loss is the key to happiness, confidence, and success. Even when you finally understand this isn’t true, old habits are still hard to break.

The good news is that the eating disorder behaviours you’ve learned can be unlearned if you’re motivated to change and willing to ask for help. However, overcoming an eating disorder is about more than giving up unhealthy eating behaviours. It is also about rediscovering who you are beyond your eating habits, weight, and body image.

True recovery from anorexia and bulimia involves learning to:

· Listen to your body.
· Listen to your feelings.
· Trust yourself.
· Accept yourself.
· Love yourself.
· Enjoy life again.

Eating disorder treatment: Help for anorexia and bulimia

The exact treatment needs of someone struggling with an eating disorder will vary according to the individual. It is, therefore, important that a health professional coordinates any treatment plan.

Eating disorder treatment step #1: Ask for help

It can be scary and embarrassing to seek help for an eating disorder but gaining support from a trusted friend, family member, religious leader, school counsellor, or work colleague is for many people the first step on the road to recovery. Alternately, some people find it less threatening to confide in a treatment specialist, such as an eating disorder counsellor or nutritionist.

Whoever you select as a confidant, set aside a specific time to discuss your situation with them, ideally in a quiet, comfortable place away from other people and distractions. Remember, your friend or family member may be shocked when you disclose details of your eating disorder. They may even be angry or confused, unsure of how to respond or the best way to help you. It’s important to remain patient. Take time to educate them about your specific eating disorder and the ways you’d like them to support you during the recovery process.

Eating disorder treatment step #2: Find a specialist

Eating disorder recovery is much easier when you have experienced, caring health professionals in your corner. It’s important to find a professional counsellor or nutritionist who specializes in anorexia or bulimia. As you search, focus on finding the right fit, someone who makes you feel comfortable, accepted, and safe. To find an eating disorder treatment specialist in your area:

· Ask your primary care doctor for a referral.
· Check with local hospitals or medical centres.
· Ask your school counsellor or nurse.

Eating disorder treatment step #3: Address health problems

Anorexia and bulimia can be deadly–and not just if you’re drastically underweight. Your health may be in danger, even if you only occasionally fast, binge, or purge, so it’s important to get a full medical evaluation. If the evaluation reveals health problems, they should take top treatment priority. Nothing is more important than your physical well-being. If you’re suffering from any life-threatening problem, you may need to be hospitalised in order to keep you safe.

Eating disorder treatment step #4: Make a long-term treatment plan

Once your health problems are under control, you and your doctor or therapist can work on a long-term recovery plan. First, you’ll need to assemble a complete eating disorder treatment team. Your team might include a family doctor, a psychologist, a nutritionist, a social worker, and a psychiatrist. Then you and your team will develop a treatment plan that’s stylised to meet your needs.

Your eating disorder treatment plan may include:

· Inpatient treatment
· Individual or group therapy
· Family therapy
· Eating disorder education
· Nutritional counselling
· Medical monitoring

An effective treatment program for eating disorders should address more than just your symptoms and destructive eating habits. It should also address the root causes of the problem—the emotional triggers that lead to disordered eating and your difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and other uncomfortable emotions.

Treatment options for anorexia and bulimia

While there are a variety of different treatment options available for those struggling with eating disorders, it is important to find the treatment, or combination of treatments, that works best for you.

Therapy for eating disorders

Therapy is crucial to treating anorexia and bulimia. There are many ways a therapist can work with you, including addressing any feelings of shame and isolation caused by your eating disorder. Different therapists have different methods, so it is important to discuss with a therapist your goals in working towards recovery.

The most common therapy for eating disorders is cognitive-behavioural therapy. This targets the unhealthy eating behaviours of anorexia and bulimia and the unrealistic, negative thoughts that fuel them. One of the main goals is for you to become more self-aware of how you use food to deal with emotions. The therapist will help you recognise your emotional triggers and learn how to avoid or combat them. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders also involves education about nutrition, healthy weight management, and relaxation techniques.

Nutritional counselling for eating disorders

The goal of a nutritionist or dietician is to help you incorporate healthy eating behaviours into your everyday life. A nutritionist can’t change your habits overnight, but over a period of time you can learn to develop a healthier relationship with the food you consume.

Eating disorder support groups

While family and friends can be a huge help in providing support, you may also want to join an eating disorder support group. They provide a safe environment where you can talk freely about your eating disorder and get advice and support from people who know what you’re going through.

There are many types of eating disorder support groups. Some are led by professional therapists, while others are moderated by trained volunteers or people who have recovered from an eating disorder.

To find an eating disorder support group in your area:

· Ask your doctor or therapist for a referral
· Call local hospitals and universities
· Call local eating disorder centres and clinics
· Visit your school’s counselling centre

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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

Quotes

"I had no outstanding family position and felt as if I had no outstanding trait among my peers. I was in competition with them to be thin, smart, popular. This was the beginning of my anorexia."

Mel

"I thought I could control anorexia but I have to admit it, anorexia controls me. Some days I'm running against fat and some days I'm running against anorexia."

Annick

"It all began as skipping one meal after being called a"

Allie

"I realized that eating disorders never disappear, they simply shuffle themselves to the backs of closets and lurk, whether waiting for control or acceptance."

Amadeo

"I could not concentrate on anything other than my next binge or purge."

Nina

"I feel guilty every time I eat."

Joana

"This is an eating disorder in recovery. I eat six times per day, like clockwork. I exercise. I rest. I have friends, a job, schoolwork, bills, and responsibilities."

Carolyn

"I enjoyed nothing more than cooking large meals for everyone, but didn’t eat myself or if I did eat I would binge followed by a purge."

Denise

"I wanted a lot out of life, I had a lot of expectations of myself, and I was convinced being thin was a part of that."

Wendy

"I was also hospitalized several times, lost jobs, a fiance and friendships. The eating disorder consumed my life and my mind became my enemy."

Nina

"My disorder cost me the completion of my high school education. I was an excellent student."

Alicia

"Soon I couldn't go through a meal without knowing how many calories I was consuming. As I continued to restrict more and more, my actions became more obvious. I was constantly sad for no apparent reason, and would get angry very quickly."

Shanel

"Without these individuals and factors I would not have climbed the mountain that is recovery. But I also would not have done it without me!"

Temimah

"My eating disorder took over for about eight months until I got therapy, which helped immensely, but also made me realize I was pursuing a dream and career that I didn't really want at all, which was really at the root of my obsession with food and weight"

Anonymous

"I was really into ballet, which, combined with going through puberty, was a recipe for body issues. I began with food restriction, as most do, and the vicious cycle began. I didn’t know it was an eating disorder."

Wendy

"I learned to get in touch with a higher power, to creatively visualize what recovery looked like for me and to gain confidence that I had a place in the world and that I could express myself, accept myself and let go of the shame that had me locked away a"

Nina

"My life was consumed with food, insecurities and my outward appearance. While other kids were learning what their favourite sports or colours were, I had my head in a toilet."

Melanie

"Only two people know about my eating disorder: my mom and one of my best friends. They are very understanding, but I don't think they fully understand what I'm going through. Sometimes they try to make me eat, which always results in a round of yelling an"

Claire

"I gradually began to lose weight through heavily restricting my food, and exercising excessively. I lost weight – a lot, but I failed to feel like I had achieved anything"

Imogen

"It took time, and trial and error... but it paid off..."

Imogen

"I am so lucky and thankful that I found the courage to ask for help – I really needed it"

Imogen

"It may sound daunting - especially if you've been secretive for so long - but telling someone you trust is a good first step"

WebMD

"The NHS National Diabetes Audit estimated that about one in three women with Type 1 diabetes under the age of 30 are either currently abusing insulin or have done in the past"

NHS National Diabetes Audit

"When our son was diagnosed with Anorexia we were shocked, and felt like our whole lives had turned upside down"

Helen

"Many of the emotions and situations we have been through have been nightmarish at times and I have felt it would never end"

Helen

"You do feel at times that you are living a different life to everyone else"

Helen

"I feel that the fact both of us were having therapy helped us understand each other better and we developed a better way of communicating"

Ian

"It was a long battle from that first counselling appointment to today but I can now say without a doubt that Kel is FULLY recovered from her eating disorder"

Ian

"I was never a fit young person and certainly had a lot of “puppy fat""

Jeni

"I was told by Doctors I'd done too much damage to my body over my teenage years and I would probably never have children. My husband and I are very pleased to say I've just given birth to our first baby, Evelyn"

Jeni

"The days when every waking moment was consumed by mental arithmetic to work out how many calories are in different foods and what I would allow myself to eat are gone"

Jeni

"Recovering from an eating disorder takes time. There are no quick fixes or miracle cures, so it’s important to have patience."

Leonora

"Being strong is being able to get out of your eating disorder and becoming healthy, even when the voice in your head won’t let you. Ignoring this voice, is being the strongest, so don’t ever give up."

Anna

"Stop comparing yourself to others. You’re your own person."

Louis

"Inner beauty never needs makeup or diets."

Aaron

"Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care."

Anonymous

"Recovery won’t be perfect, Nothing ever is. You are not your past, let’s see what we can both make of our future. Never underestimate yourself. You can’t fail at something if you keep trying…"

Shelby

"The secret of health for both the body and mind is not to mourn the past, or worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly."

Anonymous

"Please take care of yourself and give yourself all the credit you deserve."

Linda

"I am angry that I starved my brain and that I sat shivering in my bed at night instead of dancing or reading poetry or eating ice cream or kissing somebody."

Anonymous

More Send us your Quotes

Tips & Hints

Eat Meals with Family or Friends
A person who is anxious about eating will feel more comfortable doing so among other people they trust, such as family or friends. This...
A person who is anxious about eating will feel more comfortable doing so among other people they trust, such as family or friends. This may mean planning ahead to ensure meals are served at times when everyone can be present. Try to keep the topic of conversation positive throughout each meal, and avoid talking about food, particularly calories and fat content. Meal times are a good opportunity for a person with an eating disorder to learn to associate eating with a pleasant environment.
More
Keep a Food Diary
Keep a food diary of what you eat and when you eat it to help you focus on eating regularly. Also record any episodes of going without ...
Keep a food diary of what you eat and when you eat it to help you focus on eating regularly. Also record any episodes of going without food for long periods of time, bingeing or purging and the thoughts and emotions you have about them. If you can learn to recognise the situations and feelings that lead you to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors it will help you to figure out ways of dealing with them. The things you find out about yourself may surprise you.
More
Take Regular Exercise
Studies have shown exercise to have a positive effect on low self-esteem and poor body image, which are widely cited as being contribut...
Studies have shown exercise to have a positive effect on low self-esteem and poor body image, which are widely cited as being contributory factors in the onset of eating disorders. Remember exercise is good for us, but too much can have a detrimental effect and place unnecessary stress on our bodies. People with anorexia often have a compulsion to exercise excessively and this needs to be addressed. A healthy amount is 30 minutes of physical activity on five days of the week.
More
Be Patient
Unhealthy relationships with food do not develop overnight, and it can take many months and even years to regain full control over your...
Unhealthy relationships with food do not develop overnight, and it can take many months and even years to regain full control over your eating habits. The road to recovery is a long one along which you must be prepared to take small steps, but you have every chance of making it. Remember, if you have acknowledged your eating disorder and have resolved yourself to do doing something about it, you are already halfway there.
More
Eat Healthy Foods
The types of foods we eat are important. We all like to indulge in our favourite foods every once in a while, but we should also eat as...
The types of foods we eat are important. We all like to indulge in our favourite foods every once in a while, but we should also eat as wide a variety of healthy, nutritious foods as possible. General nutrition guidelines suggest trying to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; choosing complex carbohydrates such as bread, rice and pasta (whole grain if possible) rather than processed sugars; eat protein in the form of lean meats, fish, poultry, legumes and nuts, and drink water regularly.
More

Support groups for you

Support groups are a good way to find friends and comprehension. Find out if there are support groups in your area....

Share Thoughts

The negative feelings that linger on your mind should be shared with your friends and close ones. Don’t suppress your feelings and le...

Be honest

The only way you can truly begin recovery is if you are honest with yourself first and then with others. Hiding behaviours does no one ...

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

People are surprisingly supportive if you ask for help....

Forgive yourself

Don’t feel ashamed for what you are going through. Rather forgive yourself and allow yourself to begin healing....

Throw away the scale

This will be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, things you will ever do in recovery. You cannot let numbers define you. Start to...

Write in a journal

This is a great place to be yourself without any judgement and to understand where some of your feelings are stemming from....

Give yourself time

Recovery is a process and there are stumbling blocks but that should not discourage you from the amazing steps you have taken towards h...

Discover what makes you feel good

I found that volunteering at an orphanage was a great way for me to gain perspective on life. The children allowed me to be in the pres...

Identify your triggers

If FTV is going to create anxiety around your eating disorder, don’t watch it. Ask people you trust to help you with this by telling ...

Arts therapies

If you find it hard to express yourself in words, arts therapy can help you to express yourself through dance, movement, art or music....

Complementary and alternative therapies

Some people find other therapies, such as massage, reflexology and aromatherapy, may also be very beneficial....

Address health problems

Anorexia and bulimia can be deadly–and not just if you’re drastically underweight. Your health may be in danger, even if you only o...

Effective treatment program

An effective treatment program for eating disorders should address more than just your symptoms and destructive eating habits. It shoul...

Communicate your concerns

Share your memories of specific times when you felt concerned about your friend’s eating or exercise behaviors. Explain that you thin...

Forgive yourself

Don’t feel ashamed for what you are going through. Rather forgive yourself and allow yourself to begin healing....

Avoiding mirrors on bad days is avoiding the problem

Instead, take a good 5 to 10 minutes, go over your body from head to toe, and try to describe yourself out loud without being negative....

Avoid conflicts or a battle of wills with your friends

If your friend refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem or any reason for you to be concerned, restate your feelings and the reas...

Express your continued support

Remind your friend that you care and want your friend to be healthy and happy....

Get rid of any negative encouragement

Does that magazine you always read have pictures that trigger you? Cancel your subscription or make a point to not buy it anymore. Stop...

Set a time to talk

Set aside a time for a private, respectful meeting with your friend to discuss your concerns openly and honestly in a caring, supportiv...

If you're morning starts off bad, it doesn't mean the rest of the day is doomed

If you skip a meal, it doesn't mean you should continue doing so for the rest of the day and you'll just "get back on track tomorrow". ...

Take things day by day

Emotions tend to rise and fall regarding food and body image very easily. Your good days won't last and that's ok. Neither will your ba...

See a specialist

Work with doctors and specialists to help your problem in any way you can. They have qualifications and years of experience, and you ne...

Follow the signs

Pay special attention to learning when your body is telling you it is hungry or full. Often, eating disorders will distort these signal...

Go shopping together

for meals. This means that the person with the eating disorder can see the full process of their food being bought and cooked, and the ...

At mealtimes:

Don’t focus all attention on the person with the eating disorder, particularly an anorexic who has only recently graduated to eating ...

After meals

family time, like a board game or perhaps watching a film together, is a good way of keeping your eye on the person with the eating dis...

Setbacks

Setbacks happen. Don’t worry too much, carry on as you were, and the next day, continue doing what you were doing, but with renewed v...

Self Esteem

Low self-esteem is one of the primary reasons for eating disorders. If your child is beginning to look like they have bodyweight issues...

Unpleasant feelings

Try to find healthy ways to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or self-hatred....

Self-esteem

A well-rounded sense of self and solid self-esteem are perhaps the best antidotes to disordered eating....

Childs with eating disorders

Parents must avoid threats, scare tactics, angry outbursts, and put-downs. Bear in mind that an eating disorder is often a symptom to e...

If you want to help...

Examine your own attitudes about food, weight, body image and body size. Think about the way you personally are affected by body-image ...

Share your experiences

Attending an eating disorder support group can help your loved one feel less alone and ashamed. Run by peers rather than professionals,...

Nutricional Counseling

Dieticians or nutritionists are often involved in the treatment of eating disorders. They can help your loved one design meal plans, se...

Therapy and Family Therapy

Individual and group therapy can help your loved one explore the issues underlying the eating disorder, improve self-esteem, and learn ...

Plan your meals and snacks

Planning your responses to hunger helps you shed pounds faster. Avoid "Fat-Free": fat doesn't make you fat; you need fat in your diet t...

Be sure to eat plenty of organic vegetables

One of the best ways to improve your health is to make sure you're eating plenty of fresh, minimally processed high quality vegetables,...

More Tips & Hints

Treatment and Recovery

Downloads

Web Resources

Quotes

Tips & Hints

Eat Meals with Family or Friends

Keep a Food Diary

Take Regular Exercise

Be Patient

Eat Healthy Foods

Support groups for you

Share Thoughts

Be honest

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Forgive yourself

Throw away the scale

Write in a journal

Give yourself time

Discover what makes you feel good

Identify your triggers

Arts therapies

Complementary and alternative therapies

Address health problems

Effective treatment program

Communicate your concerns

Forgive yourself

Avoiding mirrors on bad days is avoiding the problem

Avoid conflicts or a battle of wills with your friends

Express your continued support

Get rid of any negative encouragement

Set a time to talk

If you're morning starts off bad, it doesn't mean the rest of the day is doomed

Take things day by day

See a specialist

Follow the signs

Go shopping together

At mealtimes:

After meals

Setbacks

Self Esteem

Unpleasant feelings

Self-esteem

Childs with eating disorders

If you want to help...

Share your experiences

Nutricional Counseling

Therapy and Family Therapy

Plan your meals and snacks

Be sure to eat plenty of organic vegetables

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