An eating disorder is a very scary illness. It is usually maintained by a desire for control, and is therefore often well hidden by those who suffer from it. In a society that praises perfect-looking thin bodies and small dress sizes, it isn't any wonder that so many people suffer from them. Both men and women can suffer from this condition and it can involve anorexia, bulimia, overeating or any combination of the three. If you have an eating disorder and are seeking help, there are some steps you can take to help get your eating habits under control.
Instructions
Get over an Eating Disorder
1. Recognize that you have a problem. Because eating disorders tend to be secretive illnesses, they can be very hard for friends and loved ones to identify. It is easy for the victim to pretend like nothing is wrong when nobody else notices. Sufferers from this condition can therefore easily fall into denial. Admitting there is a problem is an essential first step. Telling a reliable friend, family member or doctor that you have a problem and need help will be the first step on the road to recovery.
2. Seek medical attention. A lot of damage can be done to a body that is starved of food or constantly made to purge food from its system. You will want to be physically checked to see if you need medical attention to address the effects of your condition. Based on his assessment, your doctor may recommend that you visit a treatment center for eating disorders to help you recover. Treatment centers for eating disorders specialize in helping women gain a proper perspective about their bodies and food.
3. Go to counseling. Whether or not your doctor recommends a treatment center; you will want begin weekly or bi-weekly counseling sessions. Eating disorders generally involve more than a quest to be thin. They can involve a desire for control when life feels out of control due to abuse, irrational thinking or an abundance of pressure a person is experiencing. A trained counselor will be able to help you identify the underlying reasons why you have this disorder and help you to work through them.
4. Create a supportive environment. You will want to enlist the help of others to help you be successful. This will mean communicating with friends and family about your condition so you are no longer prone to secrecy. Inform them of the triggers, whether it be pressure that is placed on you or obsessive conversations about weight. Ask them to help you avoid your triggers. You will also want to ask a person or persons to help you stay accountable in your eating habits.
Tags: eating disorders, suffer from, will want, desire control, Eating Disorder