Fall is a time of transition, and the evidence is all around us. Leaves change color and fall down, our schedules shift to include more time indoors, and activities go from adventurous to cozy. If you or someone you love is in recovery from an eating disorder, this season may pose more problems than comfort.
You have likely heard of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and even binge eating disorder (BED). But have you ever heard of Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder or OSFED? Chances are, this name comes with more questions than answers. However, about 30% of people who seek treatment for an eating disorder are diagnosed with OSFED. Learning about this pervasive disorder is essential to spot the signs, reach out for help, or voice your concern to someone you think might be struggling.
Labor Day can be an exciting time to gather with friends and family to celebrate summer. However, for people in recovery from an eating disorder, this holiday can pose undue stress and overwhelm. As with anything out of someone’s routine, holidays can pose unpredictable challenges in recovery.
Your eating disorder voice can cloud your perception of your body and affect your self-esteem. It's important to remember that seeking support and treatment is a significant step towards recovery but does not automatically restore your self-esteem. It's a journey that takes time, patience, and consistent effort.
Sunny June means the start of summer, the freedom of a break from school, and the bright celebrations of Pride Month. For people in the LGBTQIA+ community, June is a time to come together, remember the origins of this important month, and be unapologetically queer. However, during Pride Month and year-round, queer folks can experience increased body dissatisfaction due to heteronormative beauty standards.
Your eating disorder may be a source of stress in your life. Be mindful of your response to stress, as long-term stress can impact your physical and mental health. In honor of April being National Stress Awareness Month, here are some tips on managing stress in response to eating disorder urges or behaviors.
Feeling caught between not wanting to recover and wanting to recover is a normal and understandable part of many people’s experience with eating disorders. This ambivalence about recovery makes sense, given the role many people’s eating disorders play in their lives.
