Recovering from an eating disorder (ED) is often physically and emotionally exhausting in any season. But recovering during a crisis can be especially difficult. Consider the coronavirus pandemic, for example. Physical isolation, interruptions to daily routines and major transitions at work or school can be triggering for people in recovery.
But Kortney Brown, RD, RN, MS, FNP-C, believes that some of these challenges can become opportunities for growth, with support from a recovery community.
For example, the inability to see a provider in person can be difficult. But virtual health care may lessen anxiety around seeing a provider and remove some of the barriers, such as transportation.
“Going to an actual office, facing other people, possibly being weighed, and then walking in a gown, somebody seeing you in a gown or even without a gown, all of that brings its own anxiety,” said Brown. A virtual visit is an opportunity to see your provider in a safe place, where the interaction is more on your own terms.
Continuing to make progress is possible, even in a time of crisis. Staying in close touch with a recovery community is essential, and the following resources can offer encouragement.
Eating Disorder Recovery Is Possible, Even During a Crisis: Activities and Affirmations
There is a commonly held view that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that cause severe disturbances to a person’s eating behaviors. Obsessions with food, body weight, and shape may also signal an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
National Institute of Mental Health-Eating Disorders
Beyond the Mirror Counseling & Wellness strives to improve the quality of life for individuals & families by helping people to make positive changes in their lives and empowering them to make healthy and effective choices. We make every effort to do this by providing counseling, nutrition education, and healing & experiential therapies in a safe, confidential environment that enhances self-esteem. Beyond the Mirror services Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Greeley and surrounding areas.
Beyond the Mirror Counseling & Wellness is Located at:
2627 Redwing RD Suite 250
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 413-2264
The mission of girlshealth.gov, developed by the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is to promote healthy, positive behaviors in all girls. Girlshealth.gov gives girls reliable, useful information on the health issues they will face as they become young women, and tips on handling relationships with family and friends, at school and at home.
NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Call their toll-free helpline at 1-800-931-2237
National Eating Disorders Association
Founded by Academy Award®-winning actor and advocate Geena Davis, the Institute is the only research-based organization working within the media and entertainment industry to engage, educate, and influence the need to dramatically improve gender balance, reduce stereotyping and create diverse female characters in entertainment targeting children 11 and under. Great tools for parents and educators.
Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media