5 COVID-19 Challenges for Those With Eating Disorders
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought staggering changes to all of our lives in an extremely short timespan. While social distancing, lack of structure, and fear of the unknown are a lot to manage by themselves, individuals with eating disorders are facing additional challenges along with managing their illness. The current circumstances may be triggering and can intensify eating disorder behaviors. Below are some helpful tips to navigate common challenges associated with pursuing recovery amid the pandemic.
While we as a society face the current COVID-19 pandemic, our ED community now more than ever is shedding light on the struggles many may be facing during these unprecedented times. There is a need to create awareness of what some of these challenges are so we can offer help to family, friends and ourselves.
Remember, we are in this together and together we will navigate through these anxieties and uneasy days. We invite you to read through the below topics that will hopefully offer insight and guidance.
1. Comprehension of Food Inventory and Accessibility
When things feel out of control around us, those with eating disorders often look to food, weight, and their bodies to control something. Food is not as easily accessible right now which can be difficult especially if ‘safe’ foods are unavailable. This increases the panic and obsession with food availability and choices. Being home all day with food can be very challenging for someone with an eating disorder. Someone who is struggling may spend the whole day going back and forth debating what to eat or feel fearful they will binge.
2. Social Media Pressure
An increase in body image concerns is very common during times of increased stress and anxiety. Many people struggling with an eating disorder use working out to lessen their body image concerns. If they are unable to partake in their normal routine due to the gym being closed or fitness classes on hold, they may feel more worried about their body. The fear of weight gain and body changes are not uncommon when our entire routine is disrupted. It doesn’t help that there are jokes being thrown left and right of the ‘COVID 15’ weight gain.
3. Increase in Guilt
Guilt and shame around food is a common feeling for those with eating disorders. For many people, eating disordered or not, emotional eating may be a very natural response to all that is occurring. For someone with an eating disorder, this can be very difficult and triggering. Guilt and shame increase the chance of someone staying in a disordered cycle of binging and restricting which is very dangerous.
4. Change in Routine
Big life changes are a huge risk for relapse. For those in recovery, this is a trigger we often look out for and prepare for. But it is safe to say no one was prepping for coping with a pandemic! So with such uncertainty right now, the risk can be very high no matter how long someone has been in recovery. Fear of outcomes, changes to financial situations, possible mourning of loved ones - it is all potential risk for relapse.
5. Isolation
Loneliness, isolation and secrecy are what many people's eating disorders thrive on. During this time this can easily allow for an increase or relapse of behaviors.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center, we understand that dealing with these uncertain circumstances is especially difficult for those struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating. Understanding the importance of structured group support in a time of social isolation, we are adapting to the current COVID-19 crisis by offering fully online, virtual programming and services.
Additionally, our team put together a free Coping With COVID-19 recovery handbook with information on pursuing recovery during a pandemic, where to begin if you are ready to seek help, how to deal with emotional eating, the importance of self-care, daily worksheets you can use to check-in with yourself, journal prompts, resources and coloring pages you can print. If you are in need of support during this difficult time, please know the team at BALANCE is here for you.