Eating Disorders

What do I do: If I struggle with an eating disorder?

1. Talk to someone about your situation. Talking about it will probably ease your tension and anxiety about the struggles that you are having. This will not be easy as you have likely held on to this secret for a long time, but finding a trustworthy person to tell is a very important step in your recovery. Also, keep in mind that since we know that many people struggle with eating issues, the reality is that you are not alone. Reaching out and talking to someone will help remove the weight of secrecy, and can be the beginning of freedom for you.
2. Be aware of the dangers of disordered eating. Eating disorders can lead to death. In fact, many people who suffer from untreated eating disorders die. In addition, there are many other health risks associated with disordered eating, such as fatigue, depression, insomnia, mood swings, constipation and more. Even if you think your eating issues are not that extreme, it is important to pursue help since there is a direct connection between what you eat and how your brain and body functions.
3. Y3. You will likely need to seek out the help of a professional counselor to get to the roots of your eating disorder. Very few people are able to just stop their eating behaviors. The longer you have been engaged in the eating disorder the more likely you will need to seek professional help. If you are unsure what to look for in a counselor for your eating issues, check out these articles by our friends at FINDINGbalance.com, a Christian organization focused on eating disorders: “Finding Treatment” and “Finding a Nutritionist.”
4. For support, call the HopeLine (1-800-394-HOPE) to talk or visit www.dmlive.com to chat with a live person.