An eating disorder can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common reason people develop one is because they feel dissatisfied with their body and themselves. They begin to think that they are only worthy of love if they look a certain way, usually very thin, which causes them to go on extreme diets. If you are experiencing this issue, here are some tips on how to deal with it.
1. Try to find rehabilitation centres
If you have been diagnosed with the disorder, and your condition is worsening, it may be wise to seek out a rehabilitation center. The best place for this would be a facility that specializes in eating disorders, they will know exactly what your problem is and how to help you overcome it.
They also provide activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and outdoor sports to help promote physical activity while still allowing individuals to get healthy bodies. These centers don’t have to be scary, you can also find luxury mental healthcare ones that can help you. Going to a rehab center can not only help you get better, but it can also be a rewarding experience. Although you will leave your family and friends for a while and be in a new place with unfamiliar people, you can create connections with others who understand what you are going through.
2. Join a support system
You may not know this, but when you are in treatment, one of the most powerful things you can do is find a support system. There are many kinds of support systems, but they all help you in some way. You may join a group of women who have been in your situation and can give you advice on how to cope with the struggles that lie ahead. Or, if there isn’t one specifically for eating disorders, you could attend a group therapy session with other people who have problems such as anxiety or suicidal thoughts.
The most important thing when joining a support system is that it’s something that makes you feel comfortable and safe enough to open up about what you’re going through, so try out a few different ones until you find the right fit. It will make a huge difference in your recovery.
3. Educate yourself
The best way to deal with an eating disorder is to understand what one actually is and how it works, so educate yourself on both the condition itself and treatment options for it. You can talk to people like counselors or doctors who are knowledgeable on the subject, or you can do the research yourself.
You could also read some books that are written on the topic of eating disorders, they will give you even more information than the professionals because it is all coming from personal experiences and what has worked for other people. These books can be a great way to learn more about your own situation and its causes. Just remember not to let any kind of book become your only source of information, many times people interpret things in different ways.
4. Be mindful of triggers
While in recovery, there are certain situations that may trigger negative behavior, such as returning home from treatment or going on a family vacation. To prevent this from happening, it’s a good idea to have a list of things that may trigger you and your eating disorder. This can include old friends, certain music, or even colors or smells.
Once you know what makes you feel the urge to binge or purge, you can avoid them whenever possible, so they won’t cause problems. Many times people will even develop an aversion to the food associated with the triggers, so they will have less desire for it in general. Once you get into recovery and start seeing results, don’t give up!
5. Try not to focus on food
When people are in treatment, it can be easy to become obsessed with food. Sometimes this is good because it will help you eat more and gain weight back, but other times it’s not so good because it makes negative behaviour seem normal or necessary. The best way to deal with this is to try not to think too much about what you’re eating all the time.
For example, if you have an unhealthy thought about something specific that triggers for you, stop yourself from thinking that way by distracting yourself or doing something else until the craving passes. This can be helpful and therapeutic because it will help you stay in control and not let your eating disorder take over.
The most important thing to remember when dealing with an eating disorder is that it’s okay if you slip up sometimes. One of the most frequent reasons why people start having these problems in the first place is because they feel like they aren’t in control, so taking that back will give them a sense of security. Take care of yourself and your body, and you will be able to do great things in the future.
