We cannot recover alone. While yes at the end of the day it comes down to us, we need a treatment team that we trust- a team that specializes in eating disorders and a team that will constantly challenge us and be compassionate when we fall down.
In most cases, a team includes a medical doctor, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, nutritionist, mentor and group therapist. I know some of you who suffer from eating disorders think “I just need more willpower” and “I got this on my own.” Eating disorders are life threatening diseases and we deserve specialized support.
A nutritionist is vital in recovery. My first run in with a nutritionist was at work in my early twenties. She did not specialize in eating disorders, so when she told me that I ate too much sugar my anorexia loved her. “Guess I need to cut down on sugar!” Needless to say that relationship was not helpful and actually hurt my recovery.
It is crucial to work with someone who specializes in eating disorders. Today I have a nutritionist that I trust. I do weekly virtual sessions and connect with her daily to keep my recovery in focus.
At every stage of recovery from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other eating disorders, nourishing your body and brain is crucial. A nutritionist can help to guide you to increase your food intake and food variety, find patterns with behaviors and give you support in your darkest times when putting the fork to your mouth is terrifying.
Setting small manageable daily and weekly goals move you towards recovery. My current goals for the week are to engage in exposure therapy 1x week with my friends, eat a substantial dessert to increase my caloric intake and send her a daily text with a positive recovery success story.
What is your goal today? I’d love to hear from you. Please comment on this blog.
We can recover!
Serenity Always,
Meredith
Photo cred: @mellow.doodles⠀⠀⠀
