I.          Work with an eating disorder treatment team if at all possible, if not, seeks out some of the many wonderful self help programs available to assist you in recovery.

Eating disorder treatment by a team of qualified professionals who specialize in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and/or compulsive overeating is the best course of action to address and recover from disordered eating. There are many levels of eating disorder treatment available: outpatient, intensive outpatient, inpatient, residential, intensive outpatient and more.

Many excellent organizations exist that offer referrals to eating disorder treatment professionals.  Consider contacting the National Eating Disorder Association or the Academy of Eating Disorders for a list of professionals who treat eating disorders in your area.  Also, many eating disorder sufferers and families find that reviewing the online ‘virtual brochures' offered in the Eating Disorder Specialist Library greatly simplifies their search for treatment.

If your access to professional treatment is limited, also seek out support through organizations such as Overeaters Anonymous, Eating Disorders Anonymous, and local church or community groups designed to provide support for eating disorder sufferers.

II.         Develop self acceptance through practicing compassion toward self.

Also, practice befriending yourself and offering unconditional self care and self respect.  Refuse to allow your self esteem to be determined by outside factors, but rather find your value in the content of your character and by being the uniquely wonderful person God created you to be.

III.       Develop a positive and self nurturing internal dialogue.

Our inner dialogue with ourselves is critical to our recovery and general well being. Learn how to recognize ineffective thoughts and replace these with accurate and uplifting thoughts.

IV.       Get treatment for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression

Anxiety disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, separation anxiety and social phobias are often co-occurring issues with eating disorders. Learn about the symptoms, treatment and etiology of anxiety disorders and recognize the importance of treating these disorders with therapy and possibly medication, when prescribed by a medical doctor.

V.        Practice mindfulness and living in the moment.

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more aware of the present moment, rather than dwelling in the past or projecting into the future. Many find mindfulness techniques helpful in eating disorder recovery.

VI.       Listen to and honor your feelings.

Feelings matter. Our emotions give us valuable information about ourselves and our perceptions of the environment. Developing awareness of feelings and developing skills to tolerate uncomfortable feelings often go hand in hand with eating disorder recovery.

VII.      Eat well and listen to your body's hunger and fullness signs.

Nutrition is the fuel for our body. Eating disorders often alter what was once a natural and enjoyable relationship with food and our bodies. Learn more about nutrition, intuitive eating and eating disorder recovery here.

VII.      Accept your genetic makeup and appreciate your body.

Body image is our perception of body, not only its appearance, but its functionality, health and purpose. A positive body image is essential to well being and recovery from anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.

IX.       Have a relapse prevention or correction plan.

Learn to recognize the early warning signs of relapse and develop skills and resources to prevent and/or pull oneself out of relapse.

X.        Develop faith and trust in God and let go of what you cannot control.

A common trait among eating disorder sufferers is the obsession with trying to control matters beyond our control.  This leads to fear, anxiety and the need to seek comfort inappropriately through disordered eating behaviors.

Faith in a loving, all powerful and just God is the key letting go of the people, places and things that we cannot control.  This leads to peace and well-being.  The choice is yours alone to make.  Go it alone and feel overwhelmed, or open your heart and your mind to God and seek His comfort and guidance in your life.

You deserve a good life full of meaningful and well lived days.  Begin your recovery plan today!

(Copyright © 2010 Eating Disorder Hope . All Rights Reserved.)