Eating disorder resources for current and previous clients

There’s no question that letting go of an eating disorder is one of the hardest things a person can do. Each individual will follow their own unique path to ED recovery. While there is no magic wand to wave away all the stress, challenges, and difficult moments, we'll try to provide the next best thing.

Here are suggestions shared by individuals who have had success with their ED recovery journey.

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1) Practice self-compassion.

Decide that you are worthy of eating disorder recovery and living a joyous life, which means full of ups and downs. Forgive yourself when you have a bad day. Acknowledge when you are tired and need rest. And keep reminding yourself that you are doing the best that you can.

2) Feed your soul.

If your body and brain are being deprived, you are less likely to reap the benefits of therapy or your mindfulness practice. Regardless of body shape or size, malnourishment increases the risk of medical complications, co-morbid psychiatric symptoms, and distorted thinking. 

Consider ways to nourish yourself beyond just the physical piece. Look at ways to feed your soul. That might be through journaling, creative expression like art or poetry, or playing an instrument or listening to music. We nourish our bodies with food, and our minds and hearts with knowledge and love.

3) It takes a village.

One person can’t give you the keys to eating disorder recovery. Rather, it takes a team. One who holds you accountable and provides the knowledge and skills you need for recovery. 

A dietitian specialized in eating disorders helps navigate your food rules and ultimately normalize eating. A medical doctor or nurse practitioner monitors for medical complications and can provide a reality check regarding the seriousness of your illness. A therapist who you genuinely connect with will be your ally to help you better understand yourself and your eating disorder. 

While it isn’t unheard of for people to recover on their own, it is immeasurably easier with a strong team of professionals by your side.

4) Look forward to future fun.

You have your clinical team, but remember your squad. Don’t let your eating disorder isolate you from those you care about and those who care about you, too! As one recovery pro said,

“Think about your friends who want to do things with you to help keep you out of your head and nudge you to go to meals. Eventually, the future fun with your friends will outweigh the fear of eating. Your friends can also provide a good model for more normalized eating patterns.”

5) Don’t forget that honesty is the best policy.

Many recovered individuals will stress that honesty is key to success. Because an eating disorder thrives in secrecy, being honest is a way to defy eating disorders and stake a claim on recovery. In addition, being open with your family and friends can be a great motivator to keep going on your recovery journey.

6) Use your eating disorder recovery tools.

An eating disorder is an incredibly effective coping mechanism…until it isn’t. And while this is an oversimplification of a very complex disease that can involve genetics, temperament, trauma, and a host of other contributors, it is undeniable that the use of eating disorder behaviors meets a very immediate need to dull or distract from unpleasant feelings or things. 

You cannot take away a coping mechanism, whether it is maladaptive or not, without replacing it with something else. How about adding healthy coping skills to your toolkit? This is where all those hours of DBT are going to come in handy. Other skills can be mindfulness, meditation, art or yoga. Have your pick.

Furthermore, the key to internalizing skills is to practice them often throughout the day. Repetition and time will help the brain form new neural pathways, and slowly but surely, these habits will replace the old, unhealthful ones.

7) Rediscover your sense of self.

Eating disorders are often ego-syntonic, or in other words, consistent with one’s sense of self. When you make the decision to pursue eating disorder recovery, it can feel like giving up a part of your identity, maybe one that you have held on to for a long time.

In the same way you must add new ways to self-regulate when you begin to abstain from your eating disorder behaviors, rediscovering your sense of self is key to maintaining your recovery. A journal can be a great way to do this, especially if you use writing prompts.

Thought starters for journaling throughout eating disorder recovery:

• What defines you outside of your eating disorder?
• Explore your relationship to others in your life, as a child, parent, spouse or friend.
• What are you passionate about?
• What subjects do you like best in school, or what is your favorite thing about your job?
• What makes you feel connected?
• What are your pet peeves?
• What’s your idea of the perfect day?

As the eating disorder identity fades away, make sure that YOU are there to take its place.

Ongoing change is achieved by building a life that has meaning to you, as an individual. Be open and willing to try anything, stick with what works, be kind to yourself and never forget:

Eating Disorder Recovery is possible.

We know finding care can be tough. Monte Nido is here for you. If you are concerned that you, or a loved one, may have an eating disorder, please reach out to us.

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We are excited to participate in Eating Disorders Awareness Week, this February 24th-March 2nd! We are celebrating “Unifying through community and connection,” a campaign led by Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations (CEDO). Monte Nido aims to spread the message of understanding, support, and unity both within the eating disorder community and for those who don’t know what it’s like to live with an eating disorder.  

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Raising Awareness & Breaking the Stigma

This year, we are aiming to reach as many people as possible who may not be aware of these life-threatening mental illnesses. It is important to be aware of the types of eating disorders, as well as common signs and symptoms to look out for in yourself and your loved ones. Catching an eating disorder early is key to recovery and we hope you learn something new from this information.

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve disturbances in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. The most common types include binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. These disorders are multifaceted and can be influenced by a combination of factors, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences. Each individual’s experience with an eating disorder is unique, and there is no single cause, making these conditions complex to understand and navigate.

Eating disorders can be life-threatening, and affect individuals of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. It’s crucial to recognize that these disorders do not define a person. People struggling with eating disorders are much more than their condition, and recovery is always possible. These challenges, while difficult, can be overcome with the right support and treatment.

Understanding Different Types of Eating Disorders

Understanding the different types of eating disorders—whether it’s binge eating, anorexia, or bulimia—can help you identify struggles in yourself or your loved ones. Gaining this knowledge is an important first step toward recognizing the signs and seeking appropriate help. No matter the disorder, it’s important to know that support is available and recovery is within reach for everyone affected.

Anorexia Nervosa 

Anorexia nervosa comes with an intense fear of gaining weight, and involves behaviors like fasting, limiting food, or engaging in extreme exercise routines. For some, it also includes the use of diuretics or laxatives, or even vomiting after meals. A few signs and symptoms to look for in anorexia are a distorted body image, food restriction, obsessive thoughts about weight, food, and calories, and feelings of guilt or shame after eating.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that often involves feelings of shame, guilt, and a lack of control around food. This disorder is characterized by periods of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, which can have serious physical and psychological consequences. If you or someone you care about is struggling, some common signs and symptoms are going to the bathroom right after eating, engaging in harsh exercise routines, eating in secret or hiding food, and a fear of not being able to stop eating.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by a lack of control over eating. Those with BED may eat rapidly, often until uncomfortably full, and may eat even when not physically hungry. They may feel embarrassed, disgusted, or guilty afterward, leading to eating alone or in secret. Unlike other eating disorders, BED does not involve compensatory behaviors like purging.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Individuals living with ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, often experience food aversions, significant anxiety around eating, or simply a lack of interest in food altogether. These restrictive eating behaviors go far beyond being a 'picky eater'—they impact both mental and physical health. ARFID involves severely limited calorie intake due to rigid and restrictive eating habits, leading to growth delays, weight loss, and malnutrition at any age. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by a fear of weight gain or a desire to be thin.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

OSFED is an eating disorder that encompasses five types of eating disorders according to the DSM-5: atypical anorexia nervosa, sub-threshold bulimia nervosa, sub-threshold binge eating disorder, purging disorder and night eating syndrome. OSFED is a serious condition requiring treatment. Characteristics of OSFED include significant distress or impairment due to eating behaviors or negative body image, similar symptoms to atypical anorexia, purging disorder, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, and symptoms do not meet the full criteria for other eating disorders

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The Power of Community: Connecting & Unifying for Recovery

Being part of a community in eating disorder recovery helps to navigate the ups and downs of the recovery journey where having a supportive network can make all the difference. Connecting with others who share similar experiences provides a sense of understanding that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether through group therapy, support groups, or online communities, knowing you're not alone in your struggles can reduce feelings of isolation and shame. The shared experience of others fosters empathy and validation, which can be essential for healing.

Unifying in raising awareness also helps break down stigma. Eating disorders are often misunderstood or dismissed, which can prevent people from seeking the help they need. By coming together, the community can educate others, raise awareness, and advocate for better access to care. Through collective strength, those in recovery can feel empowered to not only focus on their own journey but also contribute to a larger movement that challenges societal expectations and promotes healing for everyone.

How to Seek Help for Eating Disorders & Support Resources

Seeking help for an eating disorder is a crucial step toward recovery, and there are many resources available to guide you through this journey. The first step is recognizing the need for support, which can be challenging but is essential for healing. At Monte Nido, we offer a full continuum of care, including virtual day programming, in-person day programming, and 24/7 residential and inpatient care across the country. 

Remember, recovery is possible, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s important to reach out to friends, family, or support networks who can provide encouragement during the recovery process.. The key is to take that first step toward help, no matter how big or small. If you are struggling with your recovery journey, visit the link in our bio to learn about our eating disorder treatment programs.  You don't have to face an eating disorder alone.

Taking Action for Eating Disorder Awareness & Support

There are many ways to get involved this week and spread awareness. Whether in-person or online, conversations about eating disorders help break down the stigma and educate others. 

Please remember, it’s also okay if this week feels difficult or triggering for you. If you need to take a step back, unplug from social media, or lean on your support system, we encourage you to do so. Your well-being and recovery come first. If you are interested in joining an alumni support group or exploring treatment options, check out our alumni page here. If you are ready to take the first step in seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out to us or give us a call at 888-228-1253. 

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This content was first published via the National Alliance for Eating Disorders.

The beginning of a new year often stirs a range of emotions. While many embark on setting resolutions, it’s crucial to recognize that resolutions come in various forms. Losing weight by changing eating habits and increasing exercise is a common goal for the new year, but it doesn’t have to be yours. For individuals navigating eating disorders, seeing others focus on diet and exercise can be challenging.

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Diet Culture and Resolutions

The onslaught of diet culture messages disguised as “resolutions” can induce feelings of inadequacy, especially for those struggling with their relationship to food and their body. Additionally, the winter season, with its shorter days and longer nights, poses difficulties for those grappling with seasonal depression, elevating the risk of isolation and potential setbacks in their journey.

Being more mindful about the content we are taking in each day and the harmful impact of diet culture is a more balanced way to look at change in the new year. You can do that by auditing your social media feeds to remove problematic accounts and start looking up content around new interests or hobbies for example. You can listen to podcasts or pick up a book on topics that bring light and energy to your life while silencing the diet culture’s voice.

What Other Kinds of Resolutions Can We Set?

Your New Year’s resolution doesn’t have to revolve around your weight or body. Embrace goals centered on practicing self-care, cultivating positive relationships, and pursuing personal growth. Shift the focus from external appearance to general fulfillment, promoting a more sustainable and positive approach to mental and emotional wellness.

Consider setting intentions like incorporating daily mindfulness practices, such as meditation or gratitude journaling, into your routine. Embrace physical activities that bring joy, whether it’s dancing, hiking, or trying a new sport. Prioritize mental health by committing to regular therapy sessions or dedicating time to activities that reduce stress. Schedule regular catchups with loved ones and friends. Make your new year about the addition of positivity, not the restriction of food.

This year, encourage yourself and those around you to view the new year with a different approach – one centered around intentions instead of rigid resolutions. By attaching fewer expectations, we pave the way for a year of increased self-compassion.

And if focusing on resolutions this year feels too difficult, that is also ok. January 1st is just a day like any other, and it doesn’t have to mark a life change if you don’t want it to.

If you or someone you love may be struggling with an eating disorder, help is out there. If you’re interested in learning more about our programs at Monte Nido, reach out today.