Knowledge and understanding are important in the treatment and prevention of eating disorders.
To better help promote knowledge of both eating disorders and factors contributing to them, this section includes easy to access information about eating disorders to help you build your own recovery tool kit.
Can you Recover from an Eating Disorder?
“Will I ever get better?” and “Can I really recover?” are some of the most common questions clients ask when they first seek help for their eating disorder. These are understandable questions. When you are sick with an eating disorder, or your loved one is struggling, it can be really hard to imagine things will improve. Eating disorders are powerful and complicated, but they do not have to be a life sentence.
What kind of eating disorder do I have?
Eating disorders are complicated psychological disorders with serious medical complications. Each disorder presents with a variety of different symptoms leading some to feel confused on whether they have an eating disorder, and understanding what they may be suffering from.
Is it possible to "Just Do It" in ED Recovery?
One of the most difficult parts of eating disorder recovery is taking the initial steps to get well. After all, those steps requiring doing things that are filled with fear and anxiety. As difficult as it may be, there is power in taking those first steps. The more you are able to take action and behaviorally challenge those things that cause fear (e.g. eating, trying challenging foods, wearing clothes that expose body parts), the easier these things become over time. Our brains become rewired to recognize these actions are not as scary as our mind believes in the eating disorder thinking.
However, just doing these things is not so simple! Anxiety can paralyze us and cause great fear.
Are Eating Disorders Genetic?
What are the causes of an eating disorder or Why did this happen? These questions are commonly asked, as it can be helpful to understand why someone may be suffering and whether this is something that can be prevented.
What do I do if someone I know has an eating disorder?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions, and probably one of the hardest to answer. Treatment and recovery are ultimately up to the individual. Getting help for an eating disorder can often be a difficult and scary first step for the individual suffering, one often met with resistance. Therefore, it is important to know that recovery can be a long process. Caring for someone with an eating disorder requires patience. It is important for individuals affected by another’s eating disorder to find their own support networks, and find ways of caring for themselves too.
What is mindfulness? Why mindfullness?
The idea for this site preceded the name. I spent a lot of time searching for a name that would appropriately capture the messages and feelings I wanted to convey to you. Finally, I landed on mindfullness, inspired by the concept of mindfulness used in meditation. The spelling, note the second “L” in mindfullness, was inspired by my belief that you can live a full life. A life free from food, weight, and eating concerns, and nurtured by those things that fulfill you. This is my hope for you.
Mindfulness emphasizes the importance of being present in the “here and now.” It is a process of learning to pay attention to your emotions as they come and accepting them in a welcoming, nonjudgmental way. You can do this daily in a general sense, but also while eating! Imagine: approaching food as something to be enjoyed and tasted one bite at a time!
The Truths About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect millions of people worldwide. Despite their severity and prevalence, much about eating disorders remain unknown or misunderstood. As research continues to clarify our understanding of eating disorders, it can be helpful to focus on the truths behind these illnesses.
Guidelines for Talking About Your Eating Disorder
Most of the time, we read about how people can approach someone they are worried may have an eating disorder. We tend to ignore how to help those who have an eating disorder talk about it, sharing challenges they may be experiencing.
Yet, this can be a common struggle. Reaching out for help can be scary, confusing and overwhelming, as people are afraid of being misunderstood or judged, or often don’t know where to start.
How to best explain what is going on? What is the best way to let people know how they can help?
Here are some helpful tips to begin the conversation and reaching out for help”