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Feature Articles: Eating
Disorders Recovering from an Eating DisorderBy Greta Hopke, RD and Candance Gabel, MS,
RD, LD,
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The first step in recovering from an eating disorder is
recognizing a problem exists and the behaviors that led to and
created the eating disorder were not normal or right. It is also
very important to realize overcoming an eating disorder will
take a lot of time and effort. Try to start simple, an eating
disorder does not happen overnight, and neither will recovery.
Set realistic goals so you can track your progress. Allow other
people to help; friends, family, and professionals can all be
important in the recovering process and offer different types of
support.
Individuals with serious eating disorders usually benefit
from professional counseling. A professional counselor or
psychiatrist can help the individual uncover the real problem or
issue that triggered the eating disorder and create steps to
help them overcome the eating disorder and gain control of
eating without fear. Nutrition counseling can also be important
in helping the individual learn how to re-introduce forbidden
foods back into their diet while promoting a healthy diet for
weight gain (in the case of anorexic patients) or maintenance of
a healthy weight (in the case of bulimic or binge eating
patients).
Ways to make you a more effective in helping others overcome an eating disorder
- Educate yourself. Without knowledge about eating disorders your advice or assistance may be rejected or unhelpful to the individual.
- Do not make assumptions; make sure there is a real problem by talking to the individual first.
- Make sure you are helping for the right reason. Be sure your motivation to help is to truly help the other person and not to benefit you or your own situation.
- The individual with the eating disorder must want and be ready for help before you can make a positive difference.
- Understand that even though you have good intentions and knowledge, you may still be rejected
- Avoid blame. Communicate in a way that does not lay
blame on anyone and that is open to their needs and
expectations. (Kolodny, 2004)
For more information on eating disorders, click on these topics:
Here are a few websites that may provide more information
about eating disorders:
References: 1. Kolodny, N. (2004). The beginner's guide to
eating disorder recovery. Carlsbad, CA: Gürze Books.
Last update: Monday, August 07, 2006
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