If you ask the average person what an eating disorder is, they'll likely give you some sort of answer that doesn’t really get to the crux of what it is. They may say that it’s when a person has trouble regulating the amount they eat, whether too much or too little. And, while this certainly has a veneer of truth to it, the reality is far more complex. An eating disorder is actually a mental health condition that often develops at some time in someones life and can go under the radar for many years until there are noticeable effects on their body. As such, the way to help those suffering from such an affliction isn’t merely to increase or reduce the amount of food they have available, but to try and dig down into the core reasons that caused them to fall into this life to begin with. Here, we’re going to explore a few ways in which you can help your loved ones or yourself to get back to normal via lifestyle changes.
Understanding Eating Disorder Recovery Beyond Treatment
Different disorders involve different forms of treatment. For example, someone suffering from alcohol abuse may need to attend a rehabilitation facility to completely remove themselves from triggers and the very thing that is causing harm. The issue with food disorders, however, is that food is so fundamental to our lives that it takes a slightly different approach than you might think. For some, specialized eating disorder treatment programs may be the only option open, whereby treatment is focused on evidence-based care aimed at treating the root cause. For others, it could be the case that they need to refocus their energies into other activities, allowing food to become less of a thing that drives their life.
Recovery As A Multi-Dimensional Process
The reality is that for most, recovery will be a multi-dimensional process that encompasses a wide gamut of techniques. These can range from coping techniques allowing for emotional healing to surrounding yourself with those who love you and are willing to help you out of the situation as compassionately as possible. Ultimately, it is only you who is responsible for a full recovery, but the people you’re surrounded with and the techniques you use will have a huge influence on how successful your results will be.
The Role Of Daily Habits In Long-Term Recovery
If you’re serious about changing your life, you need to develop healthier habits. We will cover some of these in the section below, but by forming positive habits, you will reinforce your recovery, making it less likely that you will regress and make all of your hard work for naught.
Creating A Recovery-Positive Environment
Your environment has an outsized influence on your habits and lifestyle. This is true for every human on earth, regardless of what they‘re suffering from (or not suffering from, for that matter). When it comes to eating disorders, it can seem as though the enquirer world has conspired to develop a situation whereby it’s extremely difficult to get yourself out of your hole. From adverts that push you towards unhealthy foods, to a society that appears to promote unhealthy body images, food disorders can look like a difficult issue to kick. But with the right approach, you can definitely achieve amazing results.
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Curating digital spaces: The web is a highly toxic place. It wasn’t intended to be such, but as with all things in life, as soon as the masses get involved, things tend to rapidly deteriorate. Regarding eating disorders, this can manifest as social media channels and websites that promote unhealthy lifestyles either intentionally or unintentionally. By curating your digital spaces away from the toxicity and towards those that encourage positivity, you might just end up developing a better frame of mind, enabling you to meet life on your own terms rather than feeling as though you have to meet the image that others have alluded to.
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Home environment fixes: You will know if you have a problem by looking around your home. If you see lots of mirrors (or none at all), and things like weight scales scattered around the place, you are more likely to get into a habit of consistently checking yourself. Instead, remove these triggers and create "safe zones" for relaxation that aren't centered around food.
Although this post is intended to provide you with techniques you can do by yourself and with the assistance of those you love and trust, if you feel as though you have a real problem, you should always consult with professionals. But by taking a few steps in the right direction and learning to develop habits that help you to love rather than hate yourself, you will slowly begin to see a positive change.
