Caring for Your True Self
Question:
When you know that you have a problem and your in therapy already
and your scared and confused and you think you know what your suppose
to do but just can't get moving into the right direction what is
a person to do? Is it that down deep your hurting and struggling
with coping and you injoy the feeling of binging? I know I dont
enjoy the purging part but when you feel so gross and discusted
with yourself it comes easily. Is there a way to actually get moving
in the right track when you want this so much so you can find the
true self you are fighting to get back? Is there anybody on the
internet you can talk to that has actually found there true self
again and is recovery from an eating disorder? This is so important
to me. Thank you
Answer:
It sounds as though you are doing a good job of fighting for your
true self by being in therapy and paying attention to your feelings.
Although you do seem to be moving in the right direction, you sound
frustrated with the pace of your progress and the persistence of
your symptoms.
Perhaps, in addition to what you are already doing to recover your
true self, you may want to see if you can develop compassion for
yourself and your current need for your symptoms. Viewing yourself
as gross and disgusting probably helps to perpetuate your eating
disorder. Bingeing is one way of coping or finding comfort or pleasure.
If you can accept these needs, you may eventually be able to refrain
from purging and even experiment with other ways to meet your needs.
Your idea of connecting with people who are in recovery from an
eating disorder is a great one. Something
Fishy’s Eating Disorder Site offers an area called The
Other Side where people post their experiences of recovery and
another called Online
Support which lists many internet resources to support recovery.
If you are a member of America Online you can also participate in
an Eating Disorders Chat on Friday nights from 10-11 p.m. (EST)
in the Sitting Room on Online Psych (Keyword: Online Psych). You
might also want to check with The Renfrew Center or Treatment Locator
to see if there is a live eating disorders support group in your
area.
People in recovery from eating disorders can be a powerful inspiration
for you as you fight to find and care for your true self. You can
learn a so much by connecting with others who share your struggles
and I have the feeling that you also have a great deal to offer
as a friend and companion on the journey of self-discovery and recovery.
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