Eating disorder treatment consists of being around others, engaging in conversation, having a mentor, and being held accountable on a daily basis. Individuals in recovery are constantly around others, which helps prevent feelings of loneliness. Completing eating disorder recovery enables individuals to venture out independently into society, which is the complete opposite of the comfort of eating disorder treatment; hence why an aftercare program is an essential step in eating disorder recovery. Eating disorder support groups are a significant component in eating disorder aftercare and can not only help lead to a healthy recovery but can also facilitate healthy relationships.
The what, where and when of eating disorder support groups
At any given time, over 6.35 million Americans are participating in self-help groups, and about 15 million individuals have participated in a support group at some time in their life. Eating disorder support groups allow individuals to talk with others who understand what they are going through as a way to share insight and offer support. Typically, eating disorder support groups are small in size, allowing an intimate environment for individuals to feel comfortable in sharing their feelings and are usually offered on a continual basis ranging from a few times per week to once per month. An eating disorder professional or a volunteer who has been successful in the eating disorder recovery process usually facilitates eating disorder support groups by leading the introduction, discussion topics, and closure. In-person eating disorder support groups are generally held at a community center and are organized according to geographic location so individuals are not forced to travel far distances and can take public transport, if available. However, for those who reside in unpopulated areas where in-person support groups are not offered, online eating disorder support groups are a healthy alternative and can be accessed from the comfort of an individual’s living room.
The importance of eating disorder support groups
After completing eating disorder treatment and entering into recovery, individuals may develop a tendency to become either isolated from others due to shame, guilt, and protectiveness of their habits or become distracted by the recovery of others. As a result, the individual would be more susceptible to relapse. Support groups provide clients in eating disorder recovery an opportunity to pull themselves out of isolation and into contact with like-minded individuals. Each may have a different story to share, but his or her pain and challenges are often quite similar. This connection provides the opportunity to hear the challenges of their peers and realize that they are not alone their painful emotional journey.
Eating disorder support groups enable communication
Eating disorder support groups allow for time and space for individuals to express their feelings and experiences without being judged. As a result, individuals learn to communicate effectively by listening to others and gauging the amount of space they take in order to make space for others. Talking openly and honestly in ongoing support groups allow individuals to learn to ask for help from others, and experience the benefit of offering support for others based on their own painful experiences. When these kinds of interactions are consistent, individuals become empowered as they integrate social-relational skills through an active process rather than mere psycho-education that is taught in eating disorder treatment. In other words, eating disorder support groups allow individuals to practice the coping skills they learned in their eating disorder treatment programs. Support groups offer positive social experiences that can provide value to the individual by building their self-esteem, developing their communication skills, and establishing healthy social relationships with others. Long lasting relationships built on the positive principles of communication and respect for others that are inherent to the group format are developed, and this is often critical to eating disorder recovery.
NEDA and inclusivity
The last week of February is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which is sponsored by NEDA and is promoted throughout the United States for everyone who has been affected by an eating disorder, whether directly or indirectly. This year’s theme Come as You Are, highlights NEDA’s movement towards inclusivity in the greater eating disorder community and their goal of unifying the field of eating disorders. Navigating life after treatment for your eating disorder can be challenging, especially leaving a rigid treatment schedule and venturing out into the world of recovery. Individuals often will feel left out in society, which leaves them longing for inclusivity and the desire to be accepted; which is where eating disorder support groups are incredibly beneficial for the individual.
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