Well I understand that feeling all too well. It's funny how we punish ourselves with food or by withholding food as if we aren't worthy or something. Food is essential for life. Understanding that it's not healthy to withhold nutrition is important to understand and developing a healthy relationship with food is vital

Thank you, I know. It's just difficult sometimes to have a healthy relationship with food.

I was told “remember, fat is not a feeling”. Our eating disorders are not about the food- they’re a direct relationship with ourselves.

I know, it's just difficult sometimes.

It totally is difficult. I know how hard it is. At one point I never thought I’d beat my ED. I now have 2.5 years with no binging/purging. It takes everything to recover, but you start small. Take baby steps up and down but that’s what you build on. Have you seen a professional about this?

And let me say that my recovery has not been possible without support. Individual therapy, ANAD support group, & my partner.

I have a therapist I see, and he is aware. I have some friends who know and support me, but quite a few of them are moving out of the state. And I don't have a partner, doubt I ever will actually.

That’s good you’re seeing a therapist! Do you have any ED specialists? Also, relationships are hard with an ED. It kind of takes over everything and wants you to itself. :/

I do not have a ED specialist, what is that?

A therapist who specializes in ED. Or a nutritionist. Or an ED support group.

I had a therapist who didn’t specialize in ED’s. While she helped me with the many other things I was going through, I had to seek help for my ED specifically in a PsyD who specialized in eating disorders. And an LMFT who specialized in ED

Oh, okay. Well, I am currently in grad-school and can only afford a counselor because I get a discount due to him having something with my school.

I totally understand that! Ask him if he could get some information on ED’s to help support you. Or if any of the other school counselors are knowledgeable in this disorder and they could give him advice to support you or maybe see you about it? Also, the ANAD support group that I go to is free! I’d look up groups in your area? As well, the LMFT who specialized in ED’s had a sliding scale based on income. It takes research, but there are ways to get help on a fixed income. Best of luck to you! If you have any questions, or if I can help in any way, let me know!

I know how hard it may seen I dealt with my ED for years. Now years of hard work I've overcome and so can you loves!

Congrats Lacey! Recovery is possible! :)