Integrated Eating is using this month’s Recovery Research Wrap Up to check in with everyone as we continue to settle into our new normal. And while we hope it will be temporary, we must practice acceptance that it may be longer than anticipated and stay present to what each moment has to offer. The good news is that we are all in this together. Every country across the globe and each person, no matter age, gender, or ethnicity is adjusting to how we hold onto normalcy and take care of ourselves during this trying time.
And for those in our care this is especially the case. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions are at risk of increased symptomatology. Some individuals that may not have underlying anxiety, depression or eating disorders are at risk of developing these conditions for the first time.
InStyle.Com posted an article that hit home for us as a practice. No matter where you are in your eating disorder recovery journey - an unshakable truth is that any major life event (in this case a world event) can throw your recovery off course. For those who are just beginning treatment, going entirely virtual can be tough given that one of the benefits of programming is group dynamics. For others who are stepping down from certain levels of care, COVID 19 may “up” the anxiety, making it hard for them to maintain their current care plan. Regardless of where you are in your journey, now is a critical time to remind yourself you can take care of yourself no matter what.
Managing disordered eating symptoms is hard enough when we are living our “normal” recovery lives. Now our day to day life looks much different than just a few weeks ago. The steps being taken to fight coronavirus and COVID-19, may trigger or exacerbate “eating issues” in a lot of people — even those who just have a “complicated relationship” with food (Malacoff, 2020).
The article includes some client’s experiences. Cordio, 27, is hanging in there. But it’s not easy. “Staying at home has made it increasingly difficult to manage the stress-eating and binging,” Cordio says. “It’s been torture trying to resist as much as I can in the place where it’s the easiest to happen.” At times, it feels like her apartment is a beautiful prison, she adds (Malacoff, 2020).
Here are some important things to keep in mind during this time particularly when it comes to eating disorders:
Eating Disorders take advantage of isolation. In times like this, it’s easy to avoid challenge meals, social situations and eating out. Staying at home also means more time to think, think about food, our bodies which can make this more difficult. We get it.
Grocery stores with limited supply can be a trigger. Although sticking to a recovery-oriented meal plan may be your goal, it can feel as though your best efforts are derailed when the foods you’re looking for are in stock.
We know exercise can be a major stress release but may also be a compulsion. With gyms closing many may feel anxious while others may be having difficulty to stick with healthy exercise guidelines and be over exercising.
There are unfortunately many social media posts discussing how the quarantine will result in people gaining weight. This can be very upsetting and triggering for the eating disorder recovery community.
What to do now? Here are some reminders while moving forward in our new normal.
Tips & Reminders
Stay in touch. There are several ways to use video chat to support your recovery- make virtual meal dates with friends, meal support appointments with your support team , and keep up with your recovery appointments as often as you can.
Now is a time to be forgiving with our bodies and our recovery efforts. We can practice looking at the bigger picture and find ways of learning new recovery tools. We may use the time to learn a new recipe or cooking technique. We may need to find acceptance for a bit of comfort eating or be flexible in trying challenge/fear foods.
Unfollow any friends, or accounts on social media that are posting things you find unhelpful in reaching your treatment goals.
Remind yourself one of the best things you can do to stay healthy is to boost your immune system by eating well and taking care of your body.
Don’t let your ED take advantage of you during this trying time.
REACH OUT to your dietitian if your meal plan needs adjusting based on what food you’re able to find.
We, like many treatment practices, are be able to have virtual sessions with our clients. Your care team is more than happy to coordinate sessions and meal supports as needed during this time.
Several yoga and meditation apps are providing free or discounted access during the COVID outbreak. Below are just a few. Take advantage! Give yourself permission to take some time each day to take a “time out”.
Headspace
Simple Habit
Balance
Down Dog