Advice/Support

[harrystyleshishair]

Hi. I had anorexia and bulimia in my late teens and early twenties. It wasn't serious enough to go into hospital but I was quite underweight.

Since then my weight has been fairly stable and healthy but I've remained slim.

I had gained a bit of weight recently and wanted to lose it. I ended up losing about 4 kilos. I felt great but people have noticed. I've got lots of stressful things going on at the moment and I don't feel like eating. It's like trying to get back in control.

I feel like I might be slipping back into eating disorder habits but I'm not binging and vomiting. Any help or advice? Thanks

The draw is strong.
What helps me is to remind myself just how all consuming and miserable it is to be controlled by an ED. You might be doing all the right things to the outside world, but inside - it's exhausting and no way to live.
You know this of course, but maybe sit down and get it on paper.
And remind yourself just how hard it is to climb out of the hole. Life is going to be a bastard at times, we need to learn to find ways other than the control of an ED to cope.

Then maybe (again using pen and paper), write a meal plan and stick to it. It's so much easier to just follow a plan than leave room for circular thinking and internal negotiation.

Is there anyone who knows of your past that you can talk to - just say you're struggling a bit.

Also, it is OK to lose your appetite when stressed. It doesn't mean you're descending into an ED - though with your history you are more at risk. Keep things in perspective.

I hope things get easier for you.