Something that was really helpful to me has been journaling. I ran across a prompt once that asks you to write a letter of gratitude to your body. Eating disorders are so difficult to heal from, but you’ve taken some really important first steps by being here.

Did you journal about anything specific like eating etc or just journaling as a way to express your emotions?

Hi Resse,

I think that person means to journal anything and everything. Getting your thoughts and feelings out on paper helps release them from your mind. Helps with anxiety and depression.

Going to therapy can help a lot with eating disorders. Taking medication might also be what you need.

In the meanwhile, try taking walks outside. Being outside, in the sun, is a great mood booster. And the walking will take off some pounds, which is great for a person's self esteem. Exercising indoors is good, too. Dance around with your favorite music on. Jog in place. Every little bit of calorie burning adds up!

You could also speak with a nutritionist to help get healthy eating habits. You are right to be concerned about what this is doing to your health. Ask your doctor for a referral.

Glad that you reached out. You are going to be okay.

Thank you so much for your reply. I am going to start journaling today. I will try to remember to journal whenever I am feeling some type of way instead of keeping everything in.I believe not only sadness but that feeling of being overwhelmed tends to make me want to binge more. You are absolutely right that getting out will help. Due to depression I tend to isolate. I barely leave the house. Covid has made it harder as I've been working from home as well through this pandemic. I know that my body tends to gain weight when I am not active. Hoping to over come this one day at a time. Thank you for your support.

Tracking your meals and behaviors and stuff on paper can be really triggering. It is for me at least. Getting your feelings, stresses, and the happenings of your world can really save your life.

I feel what helps stop a binge is a meal plan for the day, keeps focus. Also healthy outlets for anxiety. Anxiety triggers my bulimic b/p behaviors.

I like the idea of journalling too. Maybe even writing letters to my body, not all letters have to be perfect they just have to be honest.

Another thought is to try to concentrate on your positive attributes other than your body - you are so much more than just your body and beauty! If a friend or family member were to describe you - what would they say? Try to think of these characteristics, hobbies, interests that make you amazing. And concentrate on being healthy rather than skinny/beautiful. I honestly will chant 'I am more than my body' or 'I am doing this for my health' when I am feeling anxious about my weight and want to b/p. It doesn't ALWAYS work but it has helped me significantly and kept me from obsessing about food and weight ALL the time.