I have created separate blogs for some of the ways we can help and support ourselves, such as journaling, music, mediation, setting goals, affirmations and creativity. I have listed a few other suggestions here that don’t require the length of a separate blog.
Workbooks may be helpful for you. Workbooks offer tips and tools that you may not be aware of and instructions on when and how to use them. There are also another way to explore your ED and the thoughts that accompany it. I would suggest that if you have a professional support team, you work with them on which workbook would be best for you in your recovery journey. Some professionals encourage you to use them and others do not. Your professional support team will help you to make this decision.
For some of us, using a daily checklist listing all of the tools we have learned is a great tool. For me, this keeps me accountable not only to myself but to my professional support team as they get a weekly copy of it. This list may be developed with the help of your professional support team or by you. If your professional support team is okay with a checklist this can be brought to your next appointment or sent ahead of time so they can see how your week went. Some possible ideas for a checklist are areas of eating (1 – 5 rating), the multiple tools I have to help deal with uncomfortable emotions/feelings/thoughts possible listing them by name, triggers specific to me (1 – r rating) or self care levels and possibly what you actually did in regards to this area.
Learn as much as you are able about your ED especially your type of ED. For those of us with a curious mind, knowledge goes a long way to understanding and believing that having an ED is NOT something we chose but rather a coping mechanism which has become a very negative issue and is impeding the life style we (and our loved ones) want for us.
Identify who to contact (therapist, friend, hotline) when experiencing strong urges or relapse thoughts. Creating a list of those people. Remember, a plan only works if you follow through with it. At times, this may be totally contrary to what you want to do, but it may be exactly what you need to do. Put aside your fears, take a deep breath and reach out.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I know and believe that those of us who suffer from an ED of any type can beat it. It is hard work and at times feels impossible; but I am sure it is a goal that is obtainable to all of you out there.
KEEP Y0UR CHIN UP! Take baby steps towards your recovery, put one foot in front of the other and know, with a capital K, you CAN do it. Even if you can’t see it now, the world needs you!
Wings of Recovery 