It can be difficult and even embarrassing to seek treatment for eating disorders, but it is important to do so. Recovering from an eating disorder is a lot easier when one has caring, experienced health professionals to guide one through the process. Though it may feel like there is no way to completely heal from an eating disorder, recovery is possible through treatment, support and learning new coping mechanisms.
Find an Eating Disorder Treatment Specialist
The first step in the eating disorder treatment process is to find a therapist or doctor who specializes in helping people with anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating disorders. Focusing on finding someone that one feels comfortable working with is necessary, as the relationship with the doctor or therapist is critical to the recovery process.
Ask a primary care doctor for referrals to eating disorder treatment centers. Search online for potential eating disorder specialists. Check with medical centers or local hospitals. Ask a school nurse or counselor for referrals.
Address Current Health Problems
Eating disorders can be deadly even if one only fasts, binges or purges occasionally. The second step in the eating disorder treatment process is to get a full medical evaluation done. If the evaluation reveals health complications, address these immediately.
Make a Long-Term Eating Disorder Treatment Plan
Once one's health problems are under control, it is possible to work with a therapist or doctor on a long-term eating disorder recovery plan. It is important to assemble an eating disorder treatment team first. This team can include a psychologist, a family doctor, nutritionist, psychiatrist and a social worker.
Once the team is assembled, develop an individualized eating disorder treatment plan. An eating disorder treatment plan can include:
- in-patient eating disorder treatment
- individual, group or family therapy
- nutritional counseling
- medical monitoring
- educational treatments for eating disorders
Receive Treatment for Eating Disorders through Support Groups
Eating disorders are almost impossible to overcome without support. It is necessary to have other people around to turn to for help and encouragement. Support groups are an excellent aid to treatment for eating disorders because they can help one feel less isolated in the recovery process. Support groups additionally offer a safe environment for one to express eating disorder concerns freely and get support and advice from others who understand the process of eating disorder recovery.
Treatment for eating disorders through support groups can be found by:
- asking a doctor or therapist for an appropriate referral
- calling local universities and hospitals
- calling local eating disorder treatment centers
- visiting one's school counseling center
- searching for online eating disorder treatment support through related chat rooms, forums and Internet support groups
Some eating disorder support groups are led by professional therapists. Others are facilitated by trained volunteers or people who have already recovered from an eating disorder.
It is important to understand that all types of eating disorders are not just about food. Eating disorders are a way of using food to cope with difficult emotions like anger, vulnerability, fear and self-hatred. It is possible, however, to develop healthier emotional coping mechanisms through eating disorder treatment centers, support groups and maintaining a positive attitude.
For more about healthy eating habits, readers might benefit from reading Guide to Nutritional Healing. The practice of yoga, emphasizing its spiritual aspects, can also be a tremendous source of healing from eating disorders.
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