Eating disorders (ED) affect many people and can make us feel trapped in a cycle we can’t escape. It often feels hopeless, but I want to emphasise that full recovery is possible!
As someone who has been through an ED and still struggles, I wanted to share some things that have helped me in my journey. I don’t know what part of the journey you’re on and this is by no means to say there is a ‘quick fix.’ It is going to be hard, but you deserve and are worthy of reclaiming your life and you CAN fight against an ED.
Get angry at the ED. I know it’s so so hard, but you deserve to get your life back. Imagine that every time you don’t give in to the ED's thoughts, you’re punching the ED in the face. Every time you punch it, it gets weaker, and you gain strength to defeat it.
One thing that I found helpful was using a pie chart to examine how this ED was impacting my self-worth and how much space different aspects of my life were occupying. I then used an ideal pie chart to visualise what a more balanced life would look like. This helped me take the first, very hard steps to enlarge other areas of my life, to reduce the influence of the ED.
Everyone’s pie chart is going to look different, but you deserve to find freedom and not further let this ED rob you of joy and other things in your life.
Here are some practical things you can do that have helped me:
- Seek professional support: Seek professional support, whether that’s seeing a therapist or GP. This is an important first step, though it may feel difficult. You deserve support, despite what the ED may say!
- Make your own pie chart: Create a pie chart to become aware of how much space ED is taking up and create a more balanced and desired pie chart.
- Open up to close ones: This can be hard because EDs thrive in secrecy. But it’s important to have a support system as you fight against an ED. Express the type of support you need on your journey.
- Spend time with friends or family: This doesn’t have to be food-related. It could be taking a walk or sitting in nature and chatting. The important thing is to connect with others.
- Explore new things: Brainstorm. What are some things that you can schedule? This could be trying out a new hobby or getting involved with community-related events.
Take your passion back. Your passion for life. Your passion for engaging in things you enjoy. Use the pie to get mad at the ED.
You are not alone in this journey. You’ve got this!
Let’s fight against ED together, one step at a time!
-Evangeline
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