Eating Disorders

» acct77 - stressors

I know this sounds weird, as I have been in recovery for almost 3 years but every time I get stressed, I go back to my old habits of not eating. I have been through a few years of therapy, and know that this is not right, but my body almost won't let me eat.

I know that stress is part of everyone's life, but as I try to plan my wedding, my soon to be mother in law is driving me insane, and I'm scared I'm going to end up back in the hospital. What can I do to deal with my stress in a better way?

-- posted by acct77

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» Lori Henry - stressors

In response to stressors posted by acct77:

That's a really great question. It doesn't sound weird at all that you have "old" eating disorder thoughts pop into your head when things get stressful. For me, it was the same, and also when things were going "too" smoothly (being afraid of success and all that).

What did you do when you were first recovering that helped you to relieve stress? Did you write? Paint? Draw? Play music? Go for a walk? Vent to a best friend? Talk to a professional?

I think it would be great if others could add their own personal things to relax and de-stress when their eating disorder rears its ugly head.

What do you do when things get stressful?

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» MyLife0104 - stressors

In response to stressors posted by acct77:
I know exactly what you mean, and how you feel. I've been recovered for a few years now as well, but relapsed and got sick once in September due to stress. I was bulimic from the time I was 15 till I was 19, then I struggled with Anorexia for another two years. Now when I get overly stressed, I cannot seem to eat, or I eat very little. It's hard on me and takes control of my mind. I have a beautiful little boy and I know he needs me more than anything, but like you said, your body just won't let you eat, nor will your mind. It seems so selfish but when you have a history with so much pain, anguish and confusion all caused from your eating disorder...it's hard to make sense of anything especially when you're stressed. I think I really need to talk to someone in person and vent my feelings out before it gets worse. I've had the most difficult month of my life and that's when I take it out on my body. You should talk to someone, or find something to do that will take your mind off of the negativity you're feeling. Look ahead to what's coming and a positive future...you're getting married and what could be better than that.
Good luck and I wish you great health!!

-- posted by MyLife0104

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» Lori Henry - stressors

In response to stressors posted by MyLife0104:

Thanks for sharing your experience, and good advice. I do hope that you talk to someone in person and get yourself feelig strong again. It's common that the stresses of life and big events can trigger a relapse, so deal with the issues as they come up. No one wants to go back to that dark place again. Good luck and great health to you, too!

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» Sandra Williams - stressors

In response to stressors posted by acct77:

It doesn't sound weird. I have no appetite when I'm stressed either although I do force myself to eat. I was actually relieved to hear someone talk about it because usually I hear about people overeating when stressed. Thanks for sharing.

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» Lori Henry - stressors

In response to stressors posted by sandraeli:

Yes, I think there are quite a few people who don't eat when they're stressed, but it's not talked about as much because it's more accepted. Someone losing a few pounds because they're stressed doesn't send off alarm bells to many, but if someone starts gaining weight, that's usually cause for concern. I find that's generally the way people think about it. For the most part, being thinner is always a good thing in society and becoming fatter is something to avoid. It's frustrating

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» Sandra Williams - stressors

In response to stressors posted by lorihenry:

It is frustrating. Personally I would rather be a little plump than stressed out, unhappy and thin!

Whenever I look quite slim and people say I look great is when I'm the most miserable. Ironic.

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