I'm in college, and I live at home/commute. I was wondering if those of you that had/have an ed that started when you were at home and have moved out and gone to college whether that was helpful to you ed behaviors or not. I guess I'm wondering if you've found it helpful to recovery, or in what ways it has changed vs. living at home? I know I do all my binge eating at home, and I know moving out wouldn't magically set me free from my ed, but I also know that changing my enviroment, routine, circumstances usually does have an effect on my eating...and I've wondered if it would be beneficial for recovery to move out and change things up, and how different my behaviors would be if I no longer lived in my comfort zone...and constantly had access to food at home?
Any thoughts from your own experience would be appreciated. Again, I don't think it would be a cure all or anything, just wondering what other people's individual experiences with this is.
It really depends on the person. If you prefer being away from home, and that actually makes you happy, then you should consider it (I like being away from home, just not by myself). Dorms and whatnot do come with their own cons though, like having to deal with people you don't really know on a regular basis. Paying bills, etc. It could go either way.
The thing with binge eating is that it doesn't matter if the food is easy access or not if you really want it and crave it. I remember going out and buying food just for bingeing that day. Having food out of reach helps with small urges, but it's no help when you're desperate for food.
What is it you really want out of a change of place? I would think about this a lot before making any decisions. Moving to a new spot doesn't mean you leave all your problems in the last spot. You may leave stresses behind, though. But then, if you go back, the stresses affect you again...
leibatt...you make some very good points!
needing...this is an important thing to consider. I think that changing your environment will probably not magically make this all go away, but it may offer you some motivation. But the bottom line is, as leibatt wrote, if the ED is pushing you to have symptoms, you can make it possible.
You may want to consider your support network at both locations, and think about what will truly be more helpful for you, and not just an escape.
Are you seeing a therapist? If so, ask her/his advice. If not, please consider finding a professional to help you through this difficult process!
You can do this...what do YOU need? Take care...Jan ♥
Remember, too, that moving is among the biggest life stresses... Stress tends to make us seek relief, and I know for me at least, every time I've moved I've been sucked into ED behaviors... Knowing this, you may be wise to seek some counsel and support in advance. I would not discourage moving... In some situations I know it is absolutely necessary. But as the others have already said, it will not magically solve your ED problems... I wish there was a smipler answer. ♥