You may believe you can manage your recovery and healing from your eating disorder alone, but getting support is essential. It is human nature to both need and seek support, comfort, and accompaniment from loved ones, peers, and other beings. Finding a stable support system can be challenging. However, it is worth pursuing because it is crucial for a successful recovery.
By: Tori Barkosky
Below are five tips for building your support system and setting boundaries to prevent you from settling for care that is less than what you deserve.
Consider That Family and Loved Ones Are Not Your Only Means of Support.
Knowing that your family and loved ones can provide comfort and help through the challenging time of recovery is reassuring. But remember, family support is not by default. The understanding that family members are your most prominent advocates and supporters is quite traditional. However, it does not apply to everyone. Alternatively, relying on someone other than your family for support and guidance is also valuable. Other people you can go to for help include medical professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and doctors. Or others, like teachers, mentors, and support groups. There are people outside your inner circle willing to support you through this challenging time; you just need to find a stable support system that works for you.
Discover What Kind of Assistance and Structure You Need From Your Support System.
Sometimes you may want to talk with zero interruptions, but there are also times when you may crave silence and advice. Reflect upon what you need from those supporting you, and let them know. Tell them if you are seeking advice or want to be silent. Establishing a support structure that is best for you and your recovery is vital. Be as clear as you can about what they should and should not discuss with or around you, and if you aren’t sure, communicate that! Regardless of how it looks to outsiders, create an atmosphere that promotes open communication, growth, and healing from your eating disorder.
Set Boundaries and Know it is Alright to Distance Yourself From Those Who Do Not Serve You During Your Recovery.
Setting boundaries can be challenging. However, sometimes they are necessary to get the space and help you need on your journey towards recovery. If you live with or are friends with people who do not support your healing, it may be best to distance yourself from them as best you can. Spending time with people who do not encourage your recovery can be more harmful than beneficial. You deserve to be surrounded by people who assist and uplift you in healing from your eating disorder, not people who give your ED a helping hand.
Establish Your Values and Seek Out Those Around You Who Exemplify Such Characteristics.
What makes you, you? In whom, where, and what do you find worth and importance? It is often beneficial for you to determine your beliefs, morals, and value so that you can find people who share them or are working toward them as well. Take some time to think and even journal on these things. Figure out what you need and want the people around you to portray. Stay true to your values and to those who align. Remember, this is your healing and recovery, so be around people who will help set you free.
Suppose you are looking for eating disorder recovery support. BALANCE can offer you access to a compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians trained to diagnose and treat the spectrum of eating disorders and provide you with expert care and guidance.
BALANCE offers a bi-monthly free virtual support group to provide a supportive forum where members can explore issues, including ambivalence about engaging in treatment, recovery, resources, and treatment options, and knowing when and how to take the next steps toward making change. RSVP for our next group here.
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This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is currently a senior at St. Catherine University, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition Science. Tori is passionate about all things related to intuitive eating, HAES, mental health, body respect, eating disorders, and disordered eating. She desires to become a holistic therapist or psychologist in the future and work with clients with eating disorders and help them recover and heal their broken relationship with food and body and find liberation from diet culture. Outside of classes and work, Tori enjoys yoga, being in nature, and consuming too much coffee.
