Do you often find yourself purging to shed some weight? Are you constantly monitoring your calorie intake? Are you extremely sensitive to failure and criticism? These are but some common signs and symptoms of people with anorexia.
While recognizing these signs and getting diagnosed are a good way to start your road to recovery, many find it hard to complete such tasks. This is why many professionals suggest that patients enroll in treatment programs for anorexia nervosa to ensure that the recovery goes as smoothly as possible. But even with the help of the pros, you may find it quite difficult to make a full recovery, especially if you are making the following mistakes:
Expecting that you’ll see immediate changes
Having the wrong expectations can disappoint you and cause more harm than good for your recovery. Know that every person will have different ways to cope with their eating disorder. Just because you find someone who has made a full recovery in just a few weeks does not necessarily mean that you can expect the same results with your treatment. Take your time and realize that sometimes we need baby steps before we can see drastic changes.
Insisting that you can do this on your own
You may be used to self-help most of your life, but that does not mean that this is the best way to recover. There are specialized treatment programs meant for specific eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. With the help of professionals who have the knowledge and years of experience helping people treat your eating disorder, you’ll find it easier to cope.
Still using food to cope with your emotions
If you tend to go to your old habits as a way to cope with your intense feelings, just stop and take a breather. There are many outlets that you can use instead of focusing on food. Call a friend, choose a hobby, write in your journal, or get some fresh air. Be in nature, watch your favorite shows, go on hiking, or play with your favorite pet, and you’ll slowly but surely ease your emotions. Choosing a positive alternative instead of eating and purging will help hasten your recovery.
Dressing up for others
When dressing up, do you do it for yourself or others? Many of us dress up in a way that will make others appreciate our outfit. Only a few brave souls don’t care about what other people think as long as they can express themselves and feel good about what they wear. If you continue dressing up for others, you’ll often feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. Stop such a practice and learn how to choose clothes that match your personality and your mood.
Keeping up with negative people
It is good that you have a solid support system to aid you in your recovery. But if you tend to be with the negative, then you will struggle to make excellent progress. What you can do to let them know what you’re going through. If after opening up they are still unsupportive and keep on saying things that are not helping with your recovery, then it is best to leave them alone and move on.
Recovering from an eating disorder is not as easy as a walk in the park. There will be many struggles along the way, but it is never impossible to make a full recovery. By taking good care of yourself, you can start living a healthier life and learn to be happy in your own skin.
