Eating Disorder Awareness: Blast from the Past Series

Hello everyone, 

Welcome to our "Blast from the Past" series for the Eating Disorder Awareness Week. 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]

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]

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]

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] 

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] 

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] 

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] 

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] 

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]

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.