 If you suspect
you have an eating disorder:
- Seek professional help. Eating disorders
represent serious psychological and medical problems. In
most cases, the intervention of professionals can make a
significant difference in facilitating recovery and can
ease the burden of the disorder. Therapists, support groups,
hospitals, dietitians, and medical professionals are available.
Whether it is to make an evaluation of the problem or to
undertake the treatment process, professionals are there
to provide help and a consultation can provide useful information.
- Ask a close friend for help. Facing
the problem alone can create a loneliness and isolated feeling
that can perpetuate and worsen the problem. Ask a friend
for help, and tell him or her what you need from them because
they won't know.
- Start monitoring your behaviors and
feelings with a journal, and try to analyze the information
for trends. When you see situations or events that seem
to "trigger" your behaviors, identify those situations
and either avoid them or develop a better way to manage
them.
- Develop a meal plan that is comfortable
and that provides enough "fuel" for your body.
If you slip off the plan, get back on right away, at the
next mealtime.
- Take time to nurture yourself in ways
other than food. For example, take a bath, buy a new hair
care product, buy a new CD of your favorite music, or go
to a movie with a friend. Slow down, relax, and take care
of yourself.
The University of Cincinnati Psychological
Services Center, Evening Clinic, and the Division of Student
Affairs and Human Resources provide this fact sheet as a service.
This fact sheet is intended for individual use and cannot
be replicated or otherwise published without our permission.
© 1997-2001 Psychological Services Center
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