March 2009 Archive
Recovery from an Eating Disorder
03.30.09
One of the most common questions people ask when starting therapy for an eating disorder is “Is recovery possible?”
This is understandable. Suffering from an eating disorder is consuming. An eating disorder affects many aspects of ones life. While in the middle of the eating disorder is hard to believe that life can be free food, body image and weight preoccupations.
However, true recovery- a life free of food and weight preoccupation IS POSSIBLE!
Unlike alcohol and drug addiction, food is something that must remain a part of your life. You can not survive without eating. Therefore, a large part of the recovery process is learning new thoughts about food and eating. It also involves releasing the emotional meanings you have attached to food and weight. It means developing new ways to deal with stress, sadness, happiness and other emotions.
Recovery is not a linear process. Like so much of life it has its ups and downs. This can be hard for those in recovery and loved ones watching to understand.
Be patient, respect the process. Just like the eating disorder took time to develop, it takes time to let it go.Remind yourself- it is possible to life a life free from food and body image difficulties. This is a life you deserve to live.
Feel free to e-mail your stories of recovery. We are looking for new recovery spotlights to feature. As I said, the journey is different forgraphics everyone.We would love to share in your journey, and lend inspiration to those beginning their own.
Michigan ACTION on Eating Disorders- Video
03.23.09
Enjoy the link from February’s press briefing at the state capitol. We encouraged legislative action and demanded state leadership examine the lack of insurance coverage and treatment options for eating disorders in Michigan.
The video features Kristine Tippen event coordinator, Judith Banker President, Academy for Eating Disorders, Kathleen MacDonald F.R.E.E.D. Foundation, Kirsten Haglund Miss America 2008 and her mother Iora Haglund.
Check it out here! EatingDisorders.mov
How the Media Airbrushes Images of Models
03.16.09
In previous posts we have talked about the ways the media distorts our perceptions of beauty. So much energy is put into airbrushing and changing images of how models look we lose sight of what is realstic.
This link is a great example of what happens when from the time models begin the photo shoot until the prints hit the press!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U
Using Mindfulness Techniques to Identify Feelings
03.12.09
Acknowledging feelings can often be difficult especially when those feelings are uncomfortable. It is hard to address feelings of disappointment. It can be hard to let feelings of sadness in.
However, allowing ourselves to experience a wide range of feelings, addressing them, and coping with them is an important part of recovery from an eating disorder. Often, the preoccupations with food, binge/purge behaviors and body dissatisfaction mask feelings that are bubbling under the surface (for a refresher, look at the Red Flags blog).
A lot of people addressing issues of recovery will say, “I don’t know what I am feeling!” This is when mindfulness can come in! Find a quiet time and spend some time with your thoughts. Sit with your feelings. Ask yourself- what is bothering me? What has been going on? Notice shifts in your mood. If you can’t label the feeling that is okay. Be aware of HOW you feel and do your best to describe it. If you can’t, journal about what feels hard or difficult.
All the feelings are part of the journey of learning more about yourself and how you feel.
Be patient. Stay in the moment. Be mindful.