My eating disorder journey: Treatment stage

I’m Abi and I suffered with an eating disorder in my early teens. I’m now starting training as a clinical psychologist with the NHS and have a degree in psychology. I want to share my overview of what the treatment process and recovery is like to help show those suffering and their loved ones that it does get better. It is so worth the push through working to get better.

I’m not a professional so while some information is from research, most is from my own experience 🙂

Eating disorders are mental health conditions with severe and long-lasting disturbances in eating behaviour that affect physical, psychological and social functions and can be very challenging for those suffering and those around them.

While eating disorders are difficult to live with whether this is first or second hand, there are lots of treatment options available and recovery is very possible. This is important to bear in mind when struggling or trying to help a loved one, holding on to hope is a massive aspect and I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel.

What treatment can look like

Treatment can take on many forms depending on the eating disorder but any behaviour or thoughts that feel upsetting and are affecting quality of life are valid to seek out some form of treatment.

• NHS-based treatment – this can look like a referral from a GP (who can be the first point of contact if you feel you are struggling) with a mental health-based talking therapy. For example, I went to CAMHs (child and adolescent mental health) eating disorder services and there were key focuses on improving physical and mental health.
• Family-based therapy

Image ref: expathy https://www.expathy.org/clinical-psychologist/

Step by step

• Restoring and maintaining a healthy weight for the individual.
• Regular appointments to monitor this process and start talking about thoughts and feelings around food, eating, body image and how to move towards healthy independence from your eating disorder. This often involves discussing thoughts and feelings and unpicking what is harmful and damaging and what your real goals are, for example.
• Appointments decline in frequency as you move through treatment and symptoms decline with better quality of life and emotional state as well as improved physical health
• Focus on how to keep yourself safe when active treatment stops. Discharge – leaving services is scary but you can do it and keep hold of all the new coping skills you have used – don’t be scared to use your support network
• It’s important to work on nourishing both your body and mind – you can’t get better unless your brain and body can operate properly! But you also can’t maintain this in long-term recovery without working on further difficulties that could have caused symptoms and behaviours to arise in the first place!

It can be difficult to stop engaging in eating disorder-based behaviours and that’s ok – recovery is not linear but working towards it as much as you can is the best thing! Using the support of professionals and loved ones when you can’t disengage is super important. Be kind to yourself and keep going! Picking up new behaviours or using distractions are also really beneficial in the early stages.

Starting to engage back in exercise in a healthy, fun way is important too, but make sure to check in with how you are feeling and that is for enjoyment and strength and not to punish your body.

Treatment and recovery are very much a journey, not a destination but it will get easier over time, if you have a wobble, you aren’t back at square one – keep going and use helpful techniques you have learnt! These can be to maintain a healthy body and to work towards good mental well-being.

• Worried about an eating disorder? More from MindMate here
• See part 2 of my blog for what recovery can look like for those suffering and how to help a loved one!

Good places to look for support and information:

• https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/ – information on eating disorders, treatment and support
• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/ – NHS overview of symptoms and treatment
• https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/eating-problems/treatment-support/ – overview of types of eating disorders and treatment
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/eating-disorders-treatment-5112475 – treatments
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/eating-disorder-recovery-5204819 – the process of recovery and maintaining it
• https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/support-someone-else/tips-for-supporting-somebody-with-an-eating-disorder/ – helping someone else
• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/advice-for-life-situations-and-events/how-to-help-someone-with-eating-disorder/ – NHS advice on helping someone
• https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/eating-problems/for-friends-family/ – helping someone else and looking after yourself
• https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/helping-someone-with-an-eating-disorder.htm – information, helping someone else and myths and facts