I thought I would look online and join some type of support group. I just recently started seeing a therapist and nutritionist (starting mid-June) and was diagnosed with anorexia. I didn't really think I was restricting food very much, but was told by the nutritionist that I was and I was told I was exercising excessively. I have tried to follow the meal plan, but got scared and backed off with some weight gain. Unfortunately, that was within the last few months of living in one state and then moving to another. I am now living with my parents for a bit and will then be moving to another country to pursue a PhD and continue my current work. I am going to be starting an IOP program tomorrow and am really quite nervous! I feel like when I am at home it is much harder for me and triggers me to want to exercise more or I just eat less. Ever since I got back here (almost a week ago) I haven't done my meal plan log and have exercised more. I don't know what it will be like in group therapy. It was suggested that I try to find some type of support group either for non-IOP days or even weekends, but it seems like there isn't really much in my area (the IOP program is ~1 hour away). I look forward to meeting others, hearing your stories, sharing mine, and finding others who are going through what I am!
Forgot to mention - at the center where I am starting IOP they now diagnosed me with EDNOS after I went through their assessment.
Hi Ang
WELCOME to support groups ..you will find this a safe place to share and most supportive site on the internet.I want to ask do your parents know about your ED?Im glad you have some professional help with this thats great you are seeing a therapist and a nutritionist..its key to your recovery.You ma also find this site is a great tool for journaling and its comforting to know others understand what your struggling with.
I found this site just over a year ago and it has helped me immensly.I have made strong connections here who have become great friends.I was diagnosed with anorexia...I thought I was Ednos.But really the label isn't really important.Just knowing you are struggling and useing this way to cope with stress in your life.All eds have the same underlying issue..a way to abuse our bodies.Wether its bingeing ,restricting,purgeing they are all done for the same reason.
I am not where I was a year ago when I found this site..I am not free completely but am much closer to a healthier me.Its alot of hard work but you will find that there are some here that have found that freedom.So there is hope to beat this.
Please continue to share!
Hi Ang, yes welcome to the site. I found this site a few weeks ago after also starting to see a nutritionist and counselor and have found it very helpful. Its a great place to come to discuss your feelings, get support and even provide some help for others. Like you I have also struggled with my meal plan since starting it but have found a few tips from here to help me get through the tough times (things like distracting yourself after eating to avoid negative thoughts and feelings associated with feeling full, journalling your feelings after meals and weigh-ins, treating the meal plan and each meal almost like it is medicine for the body, medicine or fuel that the body needs just to function). I am also in my advanced years of study, although not quite at PHD level yet and have found that diving into work also helps to distract negative thoughts and emotions.
Anyway, welcome to the site, hope you find it useful and we look forward to hearing about and supporting your journey of recovery.
Yes, my parents do know about my ED. However, I find it to be quite overwhelming with them sometimes. I know that they love me and want to do anything they can to help, but sometimes it's where they just need to back off so I don't get so anxious and frustrated. My dad usually just talks a little bit or asks things here and there, but my mom wants to know everything. Then sometimes she'll ask if it's anything they did or if I can think of anything they could have done differently and it is just so overwhelming!!
I had my first IOP night yesterday and it went better than I thought. Everyone was so nice, friendly, and supportive, but I think it will take me a little while to speak up. On Wednesdays they have support night where you can bring family, friends, etc. and I am reluctant to bring my parents. Next Wednesday is a mandatory support group meal night and I just really don't like to eat with my parents. At home I just eat by myself. It is making me so so anxious. Hopefully things will get better along the way...
Ang...welcome to the site! I'm glad that you are sharing here, and that your first IOP went well. Please keep in mind that we all understand and that this is a safe place, as Grace has mentioned. Please keep sharing and let us know how we can best offer you support!
Take care, Jan ♥