Most eating disorder sufferers would agree that even once recovery begins, the act of being around food can still be especially distressing. The treatment and recovery process becomes even more difficult when others assume that because you’re eating and cooking now, then everything is okay.
The truth is that recovery is a lifelong journey, and circumstances will change periodically. Those who struggle with ED become fighters, using their arsenal of coping skills, support systems and personal growth to battle the demon that is an eating disorder.
Things become even trickier once these people have the freedom to live their day-to-day lives as they wish, without the presence of a treatment program or professional. For instance, I struggled with anorexia for five years before seeking treatment. After an intensive outpatient program, therapy and loads of support from others, I am living my life as an average 25-year-old. I no longer have check-ins with my treatment program, and I’m not going to therapy right now. Basically, it’s as if I have a second life, one where ED rarely visits. And when he does, I know what to do.
Still, I know my limits, and I know what kinds of situations are going to trigger ED thoughts. This is the constant battle I was referring to earlier. Maybe I don’t have a day-to-day struggle with what I eat or how much I exercise, and I’m no longer concerned with numbers and size tags.
Yet there are times when I feel ED’s presence, and I’ve noticed that there are certain circumstances in which he sees an opportunity to strike. So, I do my best to avoid those circumstances (if possible) while using my coping skills. As much as I love riding my bike, I need to make sure I don’t overdo it (as in ‘I’m probably burning so many calories, whoo!’) I enjoy discussing and reading up on nutrition, but I sometimes catch myself indulging in it as a form of self-righteousness (as in ‘I know how to eat properly, but you don’t.’)
It makes me wonder about ED sufferers who delve into careers in nutrition, exercise or eating disorders treatment. Obviously, every single person is different, and my struggles aren’t necessarily what other people experience. When I really think about it, I do believe that the majority of ED sufferers can end up in careers that focus on food, exercise or ED without having a risk of relapse or some other issue. I only speak from my personal experience that going into these kinds of job fields would probably become self-indulgent or triggering. Plus, becoming a psychologist or a mental health professional never appealed to me, so I’m glad other people are willing to take those jobs!
Read the rest of the article from our partner, Proud2BMe, by clicking here.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
