[spondiferous]

So I'm in the process of recovering from an eating disorder, and one of the things that has kept me from giving up bingeing and purging is that I am afraid if I don't have the comfort of food and 'control' in my life, my mental illness will get worse. I know it's not true, or even if it is, it will be temporary, until I can face it for what it really is, learn how to live with it, and move on. I guess right now I'm just scared that when I finally commit myself to a plan of eating that doesn't involve any of my binge or trigger foods - sometime towards the end of next month - it will trigger an episode of dissociative disorder, panic disorder/agoraphobia, OCD, depression, or borderline, which are all of my other diagnoses.

Anyone have any suggestions for dealing? Healthy ones? I was thinking maybe spend more time meditating, for sure. And spend more time nurturing my spiritual path in other ways. And I've been making sure I have professional and personal supports in place in case I do fall. I just want this to work so bad. I am willing to risk it. I am willing to do whatever it takes.

[Travelinglady]

You sound like you have a good plan in place for when you get over the eating disorder. I suggest you go with it. It's likely you are worrying more than is necessary.

[PK-Cincinnati]

Hello! You may feel a bit more control if you scribble down a plan. Don't fret too much over diagnosis--that's just some code professionals use.

Here's the questions for your plan.

What helps you make the most of your talents and capacities? This could be anything --- from eating the right diet, checking in with someone, listening to music, whatever.

What makes you less vulnerable? So think about stuff that builds your safety and your health, decreases your worries.

What increases your capacity to handle stress? People use different technigues to recover or gain resiliency. What works for you?

What can you do to address the risk of something going wrong? If you were in AA, you'd have your sponsor's number at hand. Who do you call when you're in trouble? What really stops the trouble when it happens?

If you can work out these questions you might not be 24/7 "in control" but you know you are doing what it takes to be okay. Is that enough? Don't fret. Most people aren't halfway there. Don't follow your plan perfectly? So what. At least you know what happened. You can update your plan.

Let us know if this works.

[badblackrat]

I'm no expert, but I reckon you should probably talk to your mental health professional about your plan BEFORE you start following it. They may help you gain some insights into whether aspects of it are dangerous to you. And I think meditation, or other healthy outlets for your emotions are going to be massively important, because taking away the numbing effect of overeating might expose you to some uncomfortable emotions. You need to take care of that as you go along, and not wait till you reach a crisis.

[spondiferous]

Originally Posted by badblackrat

I'm no expert, but I reckon you should probably talk to your mental health professional about your plan BEFORE you start following it. They may help you gain some insights into whether aspects of it are dangerous to you. And I think meditation, or other healthy outlets for your emotions are going to be massively important, because taking away the numbing effect of overeating might expose you to some uncomfortable emotions. You need to take care of that as you go along, and not wait till you reach a crisis.

Thanks, blackrat...I have the ok from all my professional supports, as well as my sponsor. And also, it looks like you're new, so...welcome.