It's hard to recover from an eating disorder--really hard. I should know. I had bulimia for three years, and am currently in recovery from a struggle with anorexia.
When you're trying to recover from any kind of disordered eating, you won't always know what to do. Sometimes, you might not even think you can get better. But recovery is a process. It's a process that teaches you a lot about yourself: about who you really are, about what you truly want with your life, and about how you, too, reallyare capable of being happy!
If you really want to get better, you've got to do a few things:
You've got to open yourself...
Open yourself to the idea that some of the things in your life might just be a little different than you'd always thought. Understand that certain, sometimes difficult, changes will have to be made. Do your best to start paying more attention to what you really need to do for yourself, in every area of your life.
Don't be afraid to let other people into your life. Good relationships will get you through some of your toughest times, and bring a whole new meaning to your life.
You can start by making some connections at the Real Females Message Board--"Where FRIENDS Meet." There, you'll meet some amazing, supportive, and FUN people who already know just what you're going through. Start a journal with your progress, ask and answer questions, or just have fun chatting about anything that's on your mind.
Whatever you do, just don't try to do it alone!
You've got to open your mouth...
Don't ever be afraid to ask for help when you need it (even if all you need is just a big cozy hug).
Find the people who will be able to help you with the things you might not know how to do. Do your best to find a good doctor, a knowledgeable dietitian, and a therapist with whom you feel comfortable.
Above all, don't be ashamed of yourself or your problem. We'll never be able to tell just how many people actually suffer from disordered eating issues, just because so many of them are so afraid of what others might think if they found out. But as long as more of us can start to become a little more open about our struggles, we just might be able to help change that attitude. We might be able to help some of those other people seek the help that they really need, too.
Support this recovery project by posting on the Real Females Board from time to time, and by being more honest with those around you about what you're going through.
Visit http://justinelang.livejournal.com every week for tips and updates, and do what you can to spread the word about www.RealFemalesUnite.com and this project.
Contact me if you would like to help in some other way.