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ASilentObserver profile picture
Eating Disorder Awareness: Blast from the Past Series
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 1 hour ago
...See more Hello everyone,  Welcome to our "Blast from the Past" series for the Eating Disorder Awareness Week [https://www.7cups.com/forum/groupmod/GroupSupportCommunityEvents_2295/JoinUsforEatingDisordersAwarenessWeekFebruary24thFeb28_347433/]. We are sharing a list of insightful and thought-provoking discussions and resources from our community archives. These threads offer a unique glimpse into past conversations, shared experiences, and collective wisdom surrounding eating disorders. Check them out and participate to share your thoughts and experiences.  Some threads and discussions related to the Skills  S.M.A.R.T goals [Click here] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/eds/RecoveryMovingOn_1200/SMARTgoals_72205/)] Setting goals is crucial for recovery, but unrealistic goals can hinder progress.  Use the SMART framework to create effective goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.  When setting goals, ask yourself: How specific is it? How will I measure success? Is it achievable? Is it relevant to my situation? Is the timeframe realistic and healthy (especially important for eating disorder recovery, where rapid changes can be harmful)?  Recovery Skill: Self Soothe [Click here] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/eds/RecoveryMovingOn_1200/RecoverySkillSelfSoothe_74064/] Self-soothing involves using your five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste) to create enjoyable experiences that signal to your brain that you're safe and everything is okay.  It helps regulate emotions by signaling safety to the brain. This can reduce stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Recovery Skill: Behavior chain analysis [Click here] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/eds/RecoveryMovingOn_1200/RecoverySkillBehaviorchainanalysis_74077/] Behavior chains help us understand our past coping mechanisms and their triggers. By mapping out the sequence of events leading to a "troubled behavior," we can identify points where intervention might be possible, allowing us to change the chain's course before reaching the undesired outcome.  The questions prompt reflection on the chain's practical application, benefits, and challenges in personal use. Wise Mind - Recovery skill [Click here] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/eds/RecoveryMovingOn_1200/WiseMindRecoveryskill_73019/]  The Wise Mind recovery skill, rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is a powerful tool for individuals with eating disorders (EDs). It helps them find a balance between their emotional and rational minds, enabling them to make healthier choices that support their recovery. Some threads and discussions related to the Tips & Resources Friends & Family - How to Respond [Click here] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/eds/FamilyFriendsofIndividualswithEatingDisorders_2046/FriendsFamilyHowtoRespond_324628/]  Supporting someone with an eating disorder requires careful communication.  It's crucial to validate their struggles and offer encouragement, focusing on their strength and progress rather than food or body image.  Asking them directly how you can best support them is helpful.  Avoid comments about weight, body shape, or food intake (how much or little they eat), as these can be triggering and reinforce disordered behaviors.  Understanding the underlying emotional issues connected to eating disorders is also important.  Sharing personal experiences from those with eating disorders can help loved ones understand what is helpful and hurtful to say. Tips for helping a loved one with an Eating Disorder [Click here] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/eds/FamilyFriendsofIndividualswithEatingDisorders_2046/TipsforhelpingalovedonewithaEatingDisorder_59024/]  This forum post discusses eating disorders, offering warning signs, advice on how to help someone struggling, and what not to do.  It emphasizes the importance of approaching the topic with empathy, avoiding judgment and ultimatums, and focusing on the person's feelings rather than their weight or eating habits.   Recovery Jukebox! [Click here] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/eds/RecoveryMovingOn_1200/RecoveryJukebox_174973/]  It shares a jukebox of recovery-themed songs. Share a song that inspires you, or record yourself singing it on Vocaroo and share the recording. ED Care Package [Click here] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/eds/General_2454/IntroducingEatingDisorderCarePackage_324611/]  It is a "Small Steps and Support Care Package" for individuals recovering from eating disorders. This free, downloadable package offers self-care tips, mindfulness exercises, a relapse prevention plan, and helpful resources.  It is designed as a supportive gesture, not a replacement for professional help, to remind people they're not alone.  Share it with anyone who might benefit! Celebrate the Small Victories [Click here] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/eds/General_2454/EDAWeek6CelebratetheSmallVictories_324608/] It is a space to offer compassion and encouragement to those struggling with eating disorders.  This thread is dedicated to celebrating all victories, big or small, as crucial steps forward in the recovery journey. Explore these threads and join to share your insights, thoughts, and reflections. If you know of any thread or discussions related to Eating Disorder awareness or coping, please do share the link in the comments. 
ASilentObserver profile picture
Dear Body: A Letter to Yourself
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 1 hour ago
...See more Hello everyone, Have you ever paused to take a moment to think about your relationship with your body?  We often have complex feelings about our bodies – sometimes love and appreciation, other times frustration or even dislike.  I guess it is all part of the journey. This exercise is part of Eating Disorder Awareness Week [https://www.7cups.com/forum/groupmod/GroupSupportCommunityEvents_2295/JoinUsforEatingDisordersAwarenessWeekFebruary24thFeb28_347433/].  As we celebrate the EDAW [https://www.7cups.com/forum/groupmod/GroupSupportCommunityEvents_2295/JoinUsforEatingDisordersAwarenessWeekFebruary24thFeb28_347433/], we are inviting you to participate in a meaningful exercise: writing a letter to your body.  It is your safe space to express *any* feelings you have, whether positive, negative, or somewhere in between.  Maybe you want to thank your body for its strength and resilience, or maybe you need to express some frustrations.  You can even share your hopes for your body's future. Please know there are no rules here.  You need to be honest, be vulnerable, and be you.  It is more about connecting with yourself and fostering a more mindful and kind relationship with your body. You can do it two ways:  1. Take a piece of paper and pen and write a letter to yourself. And let us know if you did it here in this thread and how did it make you feel.  2. If you are comfortable sharing your letter with us, you can share it here in this thread and we all can reflect and further discuss it as you feel comfortable.   3. Anyone can do this exercise and not limited to the ones who struggle with ED.  Whether you choose to share it with us or keep it private is entirely up to you.  We are simply here to encourage and support you on this journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Who's ready to write their letter?  Let's begin
KristenHR profile picture
Eating Disorder Added Community Guidelines
by KristenHR
Last post
 January 27th
...See more Please note our additional guidelines in addition to 7 Cups overall guidelines. The following are some guidelines specific to the Eating Disorder Sub-Community that we request you to follow along with the general Forum Guidelines [https://www.7cups.com/community-guidelines/Forum-Guidelines-3c989621981b4b6db6c722d76274b058]. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure a safe and supportive space for everyone, within this sub-community. * Refrain from mentioning specific weights or calorie counts to avoid triggering others. * Remember this is a support community - we should all be supportive of each other’s stories and struggles. * Everyone’s struggles are different; please avoid encouraging anyone to lose or gain weight. * Avoid overly graphic content and mark potentially sensitive posts with a ‘Trigger Warning’ at the top line of the post. * Pro-eating disorder content will not be tolerated.

Eating Disorder Support

Welcome to Eating Disorder Support! We are welcoming you with open arms and hope to be part of your recovery journey. All are welcome to participate, whether you are a family member watching a loved one struggling or struggling yourself. 


What are the different forum topics for Eating Disorder Support?

Anorexia Nervosa Support: A place for you to discuss issues relating to Anorexia Nervosa. 

Binge Eating Disorder Support: A place for you to discuss issues relating to Binge Eating.

Bulimia Support: A place for you to discuss issues relating to Bulimia.

Discussions & Check-ins: A place for general discussions and regular community check-ins.

General Support: Need any other support that doesn’t fit within another topic? Post it here!

Family and Friends of Individuals with Eating Disorders: Watching a loved on struggle with an Eating Disorder? Discuss it here.

Introductions, Fun & Games: A place to introduce yourself and take part in a variety of fun, games and icebreakers.

Recovery & Moving On: Recovering from an Eating Disorder? Share your story here!


How can I help?

You can help us by simply responding to threads and sharing your story (if you're comfortable). Check-in with us, join a discussion, or start one! Alternatively, you can join us as a Forum Leader. Check out this thread for more information.


Helpful Threads

Taglist: Do you want to stay up to date with our community? Then join our tag list to be notified whenever there is a new discussion or update within the community!


Eating Disorder FAQ

Q: Are there any sub-community-specific guidelines that we need to adhere to?

A: You can find Sub-community-specific guidelines below, which you should follow in addition to the general forum guidelines.


Help! I still have a question! 

If you need help, feel free to contact a community leader or post here, and someone will contact you!


Community Guidelines

The following are some guidelines specific to the Eating Disorder Sub-Community that we request you to follow along with the general Forum Guidelines. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure a safe and supportive space for everyone, within this sub-community.

  • Refrain from mentioning specific weights or calorie counts to avoid triggering others.
  • Remember this is a support community - we should all be supportive of each other’s stories and struggles.
  • Everyone’s struggles are different; please avoid encouraging anyone to lose or gain weight.
  • Avoid overly graphic content and mark potentially sensitive posts with a ‘Trigger Warning’ at the top line of the post.
  • Pro-eating disorder content will not be tolerated.
Read the 7 Cups Guidelines
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KristenHR profile picture
@KristenHR