Eating disorders can have life-threatening effects on a person. Experts say that at least 20 million people are suffering from this condition in the European Union alone. That’s why you need all the help you can get to deal with its consequences. But how do you start?
Most people who have an eating disorder often feel that they’ll never achieve true happiness until they lose weight. But the truth is that happiness and contentment come from within.
The road to recovery
Recovering from an eating disorder is not easy. People with this condition use unhealthy behaviors, such as bingeing and self-starvation to cope with their stressful situations and emotions.
The first step that you need to take is admitting that you have a problem. It can be tough at first, especially if you’re still in denial about your problem. After all, old habits are hard to break. But the good thing is that you can unlearn these behaviors in time. Although it’s going to be difficult, you need to focus on finding new ways to deal with your emotional pain.
If you want to recover from an eating disorder, you need to listen to your feelings and your body. You also need to remember that the only time that you can move on to the next phase in your life is when you start learning to accept and love yourself. In addition, remember to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed by your emotions. Keep in mind that there are several treatment options for anorexia and other types of eating disorder within your reach. All you have to do is choose the right guidance and support you need.
Reaching out for the right support
Once you’ve accepted the fact that there is a problem, you’ll soon be ready for the next step. It’s reasonable to feel scared and embarrassed about the idea of seeking assistance for an eating disorder. But it’s also important to know that you’ll always have your loved ones who will support you every step of the way.
When looking for a therapist or doctor to help you with your recovery, choose the most convenient time and place for you. It should be somewhere private, so you can express everything that you’re feeling without the need to rush or get interrupted.
Start the conversation once you feel comfortable. It’s difficult at first, so don’t try to force yourself to share your thoughts if you’re not yet ready. You can start by telling the therapist that you’ve got something important to say to her. From there, you can talk about when everything started. You can also share your feelings and how the problem has affected your life.
It’s going to be a long journey. But the best thing you should know is that you’ll always have your loved ones to back you up. So, aside from looking for a therapist, try to share your feelings with your family or trusted friends. Doing so will let them know how they can support you on your journey to recovery.