Looking Back: My Advice on Starting Eating Disorder Recovery

I dial the number hastily written on a post-it note that I’ve had shoved in my wallet for two weeks. Sweat starts to bead on my palms as I wait for the line to ring. “Hello,” a soft spoken woman answers. “I’d like to make an appointment,” I utter as my voice shakes. “Okay, let’s do that,” she says as she trails off into a line of questions to see what exactly I need an appointment for and whether she’s the one to help me or not. I’m in my thirties, a mother of three, with ten years of recovery under my belt. I thought all of this was behind me. But it crept back into my life when I had arrogantly thought I was above it after so many years. In the depths of a relapse that no one in my life knew about I combed through search engines and reviews to find a therapist. I knew it needed to happen sooner rather than later.  My hesitation to seek treatment was in part due to the intimidating process of entering back into recovery. I didn’t know what to expect or remember much of my past experiences in therapy as a teenager. What will it be like? How long does it take? I had an abundance of questions and few resources to find answers.  If I could go back and give myself advice about beginning recovery here’s what I would tell myself: 1. You will need allies. You cannot and should not do this alone. Encircle yourself with a team of professionals: therapist, dietitian, physician, etc. If you don’t have insurance, search out non-profit organizations that...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Anorexia Binge Eating Bulimia Eating Disorders Personal Treatment Source Type: blogs