In an effort to lose weight I’ve developed an eating disorder. My birthday is coming up and the thought of having cake makes me want to cry. Starving was easy at first but it’s been so hard lately. I’m just so tired.
I’m so sorry that you’ve gone through so much mentally and physically. In the meantime, try to do things that enable you to stay busy and stimulated, like hiking, journaling, or even doing small chores around the house. Taking up new hobbies like art can help relieve the tension you have stored when you forced yourself to lose weight. Being present with family and friends and occupying your time and mind with things that give you happiness will be helpful as you recover. Here are some articles that can help you limit self-criticism:
Note that you should not believe that you can recover on your own. Research shows that people with eating disorders are more likely to recover with specialized treatment, including therapists, dietitians, and physicians. These professionals have years of experience and training to help you recover. Do not feel embarrassed reaching out for help from these individuals since they’ve assisted so many people in your position. Individuals with eating disorders can acquire help at eating disorder treatment centers to stop and even reverse many of the physical and mental health effects. These professions create individualized care plans that will help everyone individually become and remain recovered. During your time there, you can build coping skills that will provide you with the resources needed in each step of your recovery. Although treatment and recovery from an eating disorder can be expensive and time-consuming, don’t believe you aren’t worth the cost or effort. If money is an issue, talk openly with your treatment providers about it. There are several ways you can get treatment that is less expensive. I’ve included some ways you can find low-cost treatment options:
Disorders and addictions are isolating for everyone going about their recovery alone. Resist the temptation to keep your struggles a secret and let your loved ones in. Allow them to provide their love and support for you. You need these connections in your life to stay healthy and happy. I understand that it can be frightening to be vulnerable and honest about your pain, but you can feel relieved and grateful if you did. You have no idea how valuable your family and friends can be during this time until you open up.
I wish you the best of luck on your recovery and hope you have a great birthday coming up. Here are some articles that you can read in the meantime:
Hey there,
I’m so sorry that you’ve gone through so much mentally and physically. In the meantime, try to do things that enable you to stay busy and stimulated, like hiking, journaling, or even doing small chores around the house. Taking up new hobbies like art can help relieve the tension you have stored when you forced yourself to lose weight. Being present with family and friends and occupying your time and mind with things that give you happiness will be helpful as you recover. Here are some articles that can help you limit self-criticism:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201801/7-ways-overcome-toxic-self-criticism
https://www.mindpathcare.com/blog/how-to-stop-criticizing-yourself/
https://nickwignall.com/self-criticism/
Note that you should not believe that you can recover on your own. Research shows that people with eating disorders are more likely to recover with specialized treatment, including therapists, dietitians, and physicians. These professionals have years of experience and training to help you recover. Do not feel embarrassed reaching out for help from these individuals since they’ve assisted so many people in your position. Individuals with eating disorders can acquire help at eating disorder treatment centers to stop and even reverse many of the physical and mental health effects. These professions create individualized care plans that will help everyone individually become and remain recovered. During your time there, you can build coping skills that will provide you with the resources needed in each step of your recovery. Although treatment and recovery from an eating disorder can be expensive and time-consuming, don’t believe you aren’t worth the cost or effort. If money is an issue, talk openly with your treatment providers about it. There are several ways you can get treatment that is less expensive. I’ve included some ways you can find low-cost treatment options:
https://www.healthline.com/health/therapy-for-every-budget
https://adaa.org/finding-help/treatment/low-cost-treatment
https://www.psycom.net/how-to-find-affordable-therapy/
https://www.moneyunder30.com/affordable-therapy
Disorders and addictions are isolating for everyone going about their recovery alone. Resist the temptation to keep your struggles a secret and let your loved ones in. Allow them to provide their love and support for you. You need these connections in your life to stay healthy and happy. I understand that it can be frightening to be vulnerable and honest about your pain, but you can feel relieved and grateful if you did. You have no idea how valuable your family and friends can be during this time until you open up.
I wish you the best of luck on your recovery and hope you have a great birthday coming up. Here are some articles that you can read in the meantime:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-treatment-and-recovery.htm
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/eating-disorders
https://www.verywellmind.com/breaking-difficult-eating-disorder-behaviors-4063978
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-eating-disorders/art-20044635
https://www.apa.org/topics/eating-disorders
Best,
Jennie