Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Eating Disorder Recovery

999 replies

OhIFellOff · 18/03/2014 16:47

I'm documenting my journey to try and recover from an eating disorder over the year. I know I'm not alone in this struggle, so thought I'd share my experiences.

ellechapmanblog.wordpress.com

OP posts:
FightingBed2014 · 24/09/2014 15:47

How is everyone this week?

I have been extremely busy but very happy. I'm managing to fill my time and avoid the extra eating without thinking about it. School runs with a heavy buggy are getting me a bit of excerise in tooSmile.

MrsMargoLeadbetter · 25/09/2014 17:56

Glad to hear that you are doing well. How is the biz coming along?

I read your post of last (?) week about not being complacent. But I'd also encourage you to allow yourself to be proud of what you have achieved - you have chosen the uncomfortable and difficult path and are doing really well...

I am trying to eat slowly following watching that amazing TED Talk (thanks again sleep) and it is definitely helping. I am eating less and feel satisfied when I finish, which is something that I haven't experienced for a long time. DH & DS are joining me as we all eat too quickly. I can see with DS he is eating less.

It has made me think about meals times of my childhood; grumpy dad, not being allowed to get up unless we'd finished and I also wonder about the negative messages I was given as a child, they probably featured. I could understand why I eat quickly to get away....

Fighting I am trying to disassociate 'good times = eating' in my family too. Going to a coffee shop for a drink and cake holds something very special for me....I want to try to break that connection. I think it is idea that I can treat myself, what about you? Why do you do it?

I am trying to live more in the present, thanks for the prompt Fighting. I am making an effort with my appearance which makes me feel better. Having a choice of clothes in the wardrobe helps etc.

Sleep thanks for your probing. Work is especially bad at the moment but it should ease off from the start of Nov. Being self-employed it is feast or famine, so I feel I have to embrace all work when it comes along. But you are right, I need to shift priorities every now and then.

I am also trying to get enough sleep, that is key for me.

I had a challenging work meeting today and I found myself dealing with it in a more rational less 'self effacing' way I think. Not completely "fine" with it, but realising that it was the person with the problem, rather than me causing it. Which is pleasing progress!

Hope you are ok purple and you have been invited for an interview.

FightingBed2014 · 25/09/2014 20:40

Hi Margo. The business stuff is going well, been editing my head offSmile. Lots more to do though.

Thank you for the vote of confidence after reading my blog post. I definitely feel more proud of myself than I've ever managed before. The progress I have made has been slow and steady which seems to be the key. I'm managing to accept things won't be instant all the time. I wish I could find a way to get past my anxiety flaring up. Going for my first job has been a nerve wracking experience. Not got a reply and waiting is not my strong point. Too much time to worry and panic I have done something wrong, asked for too much or offended someone.

It's really great to hear that you are making changes with eating as a family. Being part of a team will definitely make a big difference. Are you able to talk a bit more about how you feel at home now? I love reading that you have clothes and want to look after you more. Also recognising that sleep helps you will help.

With regards to eating out it has definitely been my downfall. It was always about treating myself and there were no limits to this. Removing restrictions has definitely reduced this behaviour. It's not gone but last night I went out for a meal and ate sensibly, purely because it was a normal behaviour rather than not allowing myself something.

Going back to my eating as a child, it was an escape. Memories I have of food were always my favourites at my GP. This was my safe haven in a difficult period. Thinking about it now, my over restriction began when we moved away and I couldn't see them much. It must have been really hard for you to cope with the anticipation of meal times, as well as the actual experience. Did it ever change as you got older?

Well done with the meeting. Your responses are showing good progress with changing thought processes. I hope your feel proud of how well your efforts to recover are doing.

purple have you had any news with the job? Thinking of you.x

Sleepwhenidie · 26/09/2014 13:03

Hey fighting you are doing brilliantly, your blog shows such leaps and bounds in progress, its amazing to see Smile. Wrt anxiety, I saw this on a FB post the other day and thought it was great (for me, for you, pretty much anyone doubting themselves and feeling the fear Wink...it was written by bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert.

Dear Ones -

The other day, a brilliant friend of mine let me read the first draft of a book she's been working on for years. It was wonderful. But that's not what I want to talk about.

What I want to talk about is what happened AFTER I told her how wonderful her book was. She sent me a long email detailing all her fears about how bad her book actually is, and about how nobody will like it, and that it's overly simplistic, and critics will call it self-indulgent, and that I'm just being polite when I say that it's good.

(To reiterate, her book is GREAT.)

Normally, I would have responded with a long, tender, compassionate letter — trying to convince her once again of her talents, and of my support and faith in her.

But I was tired and in a hurry. So instead, I just wrote the truth.

I wrote this:

"Listen, honey — I read through all your anxieties and your fears here. And I just have to say something very bluntly: Your fears about your book aren't very interesting or very original! I can say this with complete authority, because they are exactly the same fears that I have, whenever I am about to release a book into the world. And I know for a fact that my fears are not interesting at all. (Like yours, my fears alway sing this familiar, droning old song: 'Your work is garbage, it will be criticized as self-indulgent, it's too simplistic, it has no value, nobody will buy it, your friends are only being nice to you when they say it's good, you just wasted a whole bunch of time for no good reason, you are done for and washed-up').

"Moreover, I have it on good authority that these are exactly the same fears that EVERYONE who has ever finished a book (or created anything) feels. In other words, your fears are just regular old mass-produced, made-in-China, sold-at-Walmart fears. Nothing fine or precious or artisanal about them. So don't treat them like they're precious.

"I realized this about my own fears a few years ago — that they are always exactly the same, and that they are always exactly the same as everyone else's, and therefore they are nothing special and actually just kind of boring. (I want to say to my fears sometimes, "Really? That's the best you can come up with? This old song again? REALLY — you're telling me once again that I'm not good enough? That my work isn't good enough? That's it? That's seriously the best you got, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS? Jeez, get some new material, dude.")

"So now I just come to expect those completely boring and unoriginal fears to show up every time I write anything, and I don't even pay attention to them anymore, because they never have anything new to say. They're just the neighbor's dogs, barking incessantly in the yard next door, blah blah blah. But they never bite. They can never escape the yard. They have no real power. So I just move ahead and do my work. There's that old Bedouin line: 'The dogs bark; the caravan passes anyhow.' Your caravan needs to pass along now on its journey, whether fear barks at you loudly or not. It's time.

"Because here is what IS interesting and original: This book that you just wrote. And here is what else is interesting and original: Whatever is about to happen in your life next, when you send that book out to publishers. Because god only knows what will happen. Could be good, could be bad. We have no idea. Because the future is a mystery And mysteries — unlike fears — are always interesting. So let's focus on the interesting parts (the creativity and the mystery) and forget about the fear. Time to be stubbornly brave, and dignified in the face of any fate."

So that was my letter, and my friend said it made her laugh (which is good, because I was a little afraid it might make her cry)...and since laughter is good, now I'm sharing the letter with you all.

In summation: Your creativity is fascinating, but your fears are not.

(Spoken from somebody who REALLY knows what she's talking about — because she has the most boring fears in the world, and she does her work, anyhow.)

Now go make your thing.

ONWARD,

Perfectlypurple · 27/09/2014 20:40

Hi Everyone.

I lost the thread for a few days. It wasn't on threads I'm on and couldn't find it! luckily it is back now.

I will pop back and catch up on the new posts but just wanted to let you know that after 2 weeks of waiting due to there being over 400 applicants for the job I found out yesterday that I have got an interview! Smile

I have been doing interview prep all day and going into work tomorrow to go over some stuff with my supervisor. Then back home for more prep. The selection process involves psychometric testing and presentation preparation none of which I have done before so a bit worried.

Anyway, hope everyone ok. Will be back when I get a minute.

MrsMargoLeadbetter · 28/09/2014 04:51

Ah purple that is such fab news - well done! Wine & Thanks

Goodness on the 400 applicants!

Good luck with the prep. You can only do your best.

So pleased for you.

FightingBed2014 · 28/09/2014 09:51

Sleep I finally managed to get time to tead the letter, it's great!

Purple I'm so happy for you, can't wait to hear how it all goes. As always I know you will be as prepared as possible and do well.x

Perfectlypurple · 01/10/2014 11:32

Just popping on to say a quick hello. My interview is on Sunday at 9am at our HQ about an hour away from home so I will be getting up very early!

I have been doing a lot of prep. The interview is on the bwhaviours mentioned in the role profile so I have got good examples for all 9 where I mention as many of the positive indicators as possible. I have been reading and rewriting them over and over so I will hopefully remember it all in the interview.

I have taken the day off tomorrow so I can prepare. I will try writing out the examples without looking at my notes so I can compare and see how much I actually remember. I have a wedding to go to on Friday but won't be drinking much as I want to be clear headed on Saturday to go over everything.

Bought a suit but not happy with the shirt as quite clinging so will get another one. I don't want to feel uncomfortable.

Anyway, I hope everyone else having a good week.

FightingBed2014 · 01/10/2014 13:05

Purple that all sounds fantastic. you sound stronger and in control of the situation too. You will be great.x

MrsMargoLeadbetter · 03/10/2014 21:21

Hello

Fab news purple! Hope you are feeling ok about it. I am sure you'll be great. Good luck. Thanks

Glad you are feeling positive fighting. Has the week been good?

Another difficult week. I am just so stressed with work. I just need to get something big out the way - 1.5 weeks and counting. I do wonder if I am cut out for this lark.

Had a big meltdown on Wed after I realised I'd applied for the wrong credit card. I just feel like I try so hard at most things in life and it then things don't work out.

The eating hasn't been great either....

However, there are a few silver linings, turning down a few things which feels like I am putting myself first, mainly through necessity but even still. And I feel like I am bouncing back a bit quicker.

Anyway, hope you all have a good weekend. Let us know how you get on purple.

MrsMargoLeadbetter · 03/10/2014 22:28

And fighting I enjoyed your latest post.

It is so true. I like the idea of a WW class full of slim 'gold' members being weighed and not paying any money....not a great business model!?!?!?

Perfectlypurple · 05/10/2014 05:51

Todays the day. Very nervous. I have got up early so I can relax and go through a couple of bits in my head before I get ready. I have spent days preparing making sure I remember everything. So as long as nerves don't take over and I remember what I have prepared I should do well. I went to bed very early last night as I was so tired. On Friday we went to a wedding and when we got back my elderly neighbour was being taken away in an ambulance. Her husbandwas vvery upset so I sat with him so that was a very late night.

I will be going to work after I get back from interview but will pop back later to let you know how it went.

Perfectlypurple · 05/10/2014 05:52

Well done on putting yourself first margo

FightingBed2014 · 05/10/2014 09:41

purple you have got this! The preparation you have done is great. I wish you the best of luck, go show them that this is your job. Thinking of you.xxx

Perfectlypurple · 05/10/2014 11:39

Thanks. It went ok. The interviewers said it was a good interview and I didwwell but it is all scored so it also depends on how others do. I now have a 2 week wait! There's 12 jobs so hopefully there won't be 12 people that did better than me.

Have to go back to work now. Catch up later.

MrsMargoLeadbetter · 05/10/2014 18:11

Well sounds like you did good! Well done. Fingers crossed. Annoying there is a 2 week wait but not much can be done about that. If you get it, do you move straight into the new role?

So pleased for you. Thanks

Hope your weekend is going ok fighting.?

Not too bad here. More work now, but had a deliberate break yesterday which helped.

FightingBed2014 · 05/10/2014 19:00

purple hopefully you are home and putting your feet up. How are you feeling now?

Margo so glad you had a break. Fingers crossed work doesn't take too much of your evening.

I'm good. been busy with house stuff. Getting excited for xmas and family time. It feels good to not be stressing about what size I 'need to be' for the festive season. Im really happy that I have managed to accept myself more.

Earlier I was in other MN forums and came across a couple looking for support with eating issues like ours. I posted a link to here and really hope that they fel able to join in or at least follow tge journey we're taking. I am incredibly grateful for this thread and you lovely ladies! You have helped me in so many ways.x

FightingBed2014 · 05/10/2014 19:02

Now does anyone have any tips for terrible typing on a phone?Grin You wouldn't believe how much better I can do on a keyboard! Blush Smile

Perfectlypurple · 05/10/2014 19:05

Thank you. I don't know when I will move over if I get it. It may not be until February or may next year.

Not putting my feet up. Have been making a birthday cake for my colleagues 18 yr old grandson. It's a football shirt with Liverpool fc cupcakes. Going to freeze it all and decorate it when I get home on Tuesday.

Good to see you have directed people here that need support. We will need a new thread soon.

carriewintermeadow · 05/10/2014 19:05

Hi Smile

I haven't read the whole thread, I'll try to do so tonight, but I've been following another thread about eating and a link to this thread was posted there. May I join in?

I don't know how to eat normally anymore Sad since dieting. I binge on sweet things. Any attempt to cut out sugar makes me crave it more. I want to eat normally without piling on the weight.

I'm in my early fifties and probably 2 stone over weight.

Perfectlypurple · 05/10/2014 19:19

Hi carrie, welcome to the thread. We all have the same sory of issues as you and we are,with support from each other resisting the lure of calorie counting and dieting. We have tried to accept that we need to just eat normally so for me no low fat stuff, just normal food. We are also trying to not hold on to the 'when im thinner' mentality.

If you get the chance to read through the thread you will see how we are doing.

FightingBed2014 · 05/10/2014 19:31

Hi Carrie, welcome. As purple said we have been following those steps, it's a long term journey we're all on. We are learning to swap the need for immediate change (and resulting failure when we don't reach these targets) for accepting ourselves and learning to see our achievements. If you don't find time to read all the way through (I know it's a lot!) you will find posts by Sleep, she is trained in helping people with eating problems and has the most wonderful advice. There are also links to great sources she has found for us.

I hope you feel welcome enough to stay. We're doing well and being able to share what we learn is really important to helping break the effect of the pressures we all face.x

FightingBed2014 · 05/10/2014 20:28

For anyone reading and wondering if you can put an end to your battles with food but a bit nervous to post on the thread...

wp.me/p4dGvE-a8

carriewintermeadow · 05/10/2014 20:52

Thanks for the welcome Perfectly and Fighting Smile

I would love to change my tendency to eat when I'm unhappy, then feel disgusting, which just makes me eat more Sad

I don't eat low fat anymore, a lot of the time my diet is fairly healthy, but I love chocolate and sweet things Blush and can't seem to get enough. I would love to be able to eat things I enjoy without binging.

FightingBed2014 · 05/10/2014 22:26

It is possible and you will be able to get there. When we first started sleep advised us to remove any restrictions. If you want to eat something do, make nothing off limits. It's a scary concept as we all want to be healthy and for us that means not having 'unhealthy' food. Letting go of that control and thinking whther sometjing is nutritional as oppose to healthy and unhealthy categories was pretty alien, how could that possibly work?

The funny thing is, she was right. It took months and I had days and weeks where I binged but eventually it petered out. In June and July I had a relapse but with support on here, I pulled back out. That's the thing to remember it won't be a straight line from now to recovery, we will have ups and down and days where it's somewhere in between.

The guilt does go away when you get used to allowing youself freedom. I'm not saying it will happen over night but it's something to think about. Reading through the thread will show how we have all tackled that approach and how we are dealing with it.

One of my favourite quotes from the Overcoming Binge Eating Disorder book was about diets. something like...we go on them and when it goes wrong we feel like we failed. What actually happened was the diet failed, not us. It wasn't right for us. It stuck with me. Finding our own path and looking at why we got here is far more successful.x