
Eating Disorders Support Group
Eating disorders are marked by an obsessive need to control the intake and/or purging of food. This community is dedicated to those struggling on the road to recovery. Join to discuss your experience with others and find support. Get advice, ask questions, and meet others who are going through similar struggles.

deleted_user
I don't normally post discussions about my fears, but this one is really scaring me.
So, on Tuesday, instead of spending just one meal with my family and grandma in a safe environment, I am going with my in-laws to Puerta Vallarta, MX for a WEEK of Thanksgiving. The food is going to be in huge portions, I'm sure, and I can't purge anything. If I restrict, I'll be watched like a hawk. And I don't know really what kind of food there is- so I feel completely out of control. What if there is no veggies that aren't swimming in butter? What if everything is swimming in drippings and oils and grease and grossness?
We're expected to go swimming, and I'm very embarrassed to wear a swim suit. Should I just go in tanktop and shorts, or would that be too weird?
To everyone else, this would be a fun vacation, but for me, I'm petrified I will gain weight, have to eat, can't purge, etc etc. Also, I don't know what the plan is, so I feel out of control- what are we doing? How much energy will I have to expend? Are we going anywhere far away, or are we just lazying about? Do I have to do all the activities they've planned? All these thoughts run through my head, and I've even wanted to just cancel at the last second and say that someone else could have my ticket because I'm too scared. I agreed to this trip way back when I was in treatment in April... before my relapse in June. But now I'm like a frightened little animal, and feel trapped.
Does anyone know of any positive coping mechanisms when on the road or travelling with people when it comes to food and emotions? Anything?!
So, on Tuesday, instead of spending just one meal with my family and grandma in a safe environment, I am going with my in-laws to Puerta Vallarta, MX for a WEEK of Thanksgiving. The food is going to be in huge portions, I'm sure, and I can't purge anything. If I restrict, I'll be watched like a hawk. And I don't know really what kind of food there is- so I feel completely out of control. What if there is no veggies that aren't swimming in butter? What if everything is swimming in drippings and oils and grease and grossness?
We're expected to go swimming, and I'm very embarrassed to wear a swim suit. Should I just go in tanktop and shorts, or would that be too weird?
To everyone else, this would be a fun vacation, but for me, I'm petrified I will gain weight, have to eat, can't purge, etc etc. Also, I don't know what the plan is, so I feel out of control- what are we doing? How much energy will I have to expend? Are we going anywhere far away, or are we just lazying about? Do I have to do all the activities they've planned? All these thoughts run through my head, and I've even wanted to just cancel at the last second and say that someone else could have my ticket because I'm too scared. I agreed to this trip way back when I was in treatment in April... before my relapse in June. But now I'm like a frightened little animal, and feel trapped.
Does anyone know of any positive coping mechanisms when on the road or travelling with people when it comes to food and emotions? Anything?!
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-Debbie
I know that the eating may feel horrible but wouldn't it feel worse to get caught purging at a family gathering...
im sorry i cant give u advic becuas im not sure eather
The way you feel trapped is all about not being able to control every tiny part of your day, and I know how panicked that can make you feel.
I'm thinking of you.
P.S. Apologies for any typoes, I've checked it twice cos I'm typing with gloves on as it's so blimmin cold in my study and I keep hittinh i&o and e&r at the same time.
Thank you for all of your responses.
Tanktop and shorts sound fine to me. You can just "forget" to bring your swimming suit. As far as the food goes eat small portions. I assume they know about your ED so you don't even need to explain yourself. It is a good thing that you can't purge for a week. Maybe that could be a new chance to stop purging all together. And if you eat small portions you might not even have the urge. I can feel how much you fear being out of control and this might not be a healthy advice but I always bring my scale to have some kind of idea where I am. Don't do any activities you don't feel strong enough for. You don't want to pass out. Tell them you're not feeling well and rather stay at home. Tell them to have a fun time and you'll see them tonight when they get back.
Be strong and try to enjoy at least some of the time.
I can totally relate to feeling petrified...My hubby and I are going to Fiji in 3 weeks and although I am looking forward to the time away we are also having 3 nights with friends who have no idea about my ED...My counsellor is encouraging me to take it one day at a time which I am trying to do with varying degrees of success...I have also decided to email our friends in Fiji to let them know what is happening with me which has actually made me feel a little less anxious...Not sure if this helps...Just know that you are not alone in your feelings..
I do the Mindful Breathing thing,by the way, although at first I had a dum smile on my face while I did it and people thought I'd slipped into a trance. Now I can do it undercover, mostly in bus queues or supermarkets.
Thinking of you .....