Mental Health Tips for recovering from an eating disorder plus infertility question.

[kace]

Hey there. I was wondering if anybody else is currently struggling or recovered from an eating disorder? And, could you help by posting tipz & tricks (heh) to recover, stay healthy and keep in control?

Also- have any females had problems with fertility? Basically I've lost my periods again, haven't had a period since last August. I can't get pregnant . I have asked my doc, he says he doesn't know and admits he's clueless with eating disorders.

Will this be permanent? Have I made myself infertile forever? Weight wise I am around the lowest I've ever been, but have gained enough to get my BMI up to nearly 18.5.

I've had eating problems since I was about 16 years old, I'm now 23. I've gone through every type of eating disorder in this time. I hate it to death. I'm currently diagnosed as anorexic binge/ purge type. I have been desperate for professional help for years now. But after waiting for so long, developed a Benzo and more recently opiate addiction that I'm not allowed access to help from an eating disorder specialist till I'm off drugs. (Although they are a part of my eating problems, I use to deal with the guilt from eating).

How can I help myself recover?

I am struggling at the moment as I've moved into the middle of nowhere, and instead of being able to pick up food whenever, I need to do a weekly shop which I feel as if I can't do, as I binge/ purge and then don't eat.

Sorry for rambling. If anybody has recovered- what helped you? Is there any good literature that could help me?

I'm interested with psychology and would love to try CBT on myself or something, but don't know where to start.

I've heard and been on the bite website, was wondering if there were any decent self help websites or books? Thanks for reading.

 

[herbavore]

My friend said this book (and counseling with this woman, one of the authors) really helped her, Kace.

I think it is so crazy that they deny people help for mental health issues "until they are off drugs". Is this not part of the problem? Are they not obviously related?

 

[kace]

Thank you for replying herb. I've had a look at the book and am planning on reading it. I wish there was one on addictions too.. As for me, the eating disorder and addictions are very much linked, as well to the depression, anxiety and PTSD.
It's really doing my head in, I've been trying to get counselling for years, especially before the opiate addiction but they won't help me (other than physically) till I've sorted my addictions out first. I can't do it by myself though, or do anything other than for that matter. Sorry for whining, I hope you're doing good yourself herby.

 

[Shimmerchasm]

What helped me was reconnecting to my food. Learning where it comes from, what different nutrients do for my body, learning about herbs and using natural foods as medicine. Switching to a whole foods diet helped me to feel good about myself and reconnect to my body. Nothing artificial! I also began experimenting a bit in the kitchen. I find that raw vegan recipes are a lot of fun even though I am not vegan. I've made many decadent desserts all from living plants, nuts, seeds, fruits. Find the foods you love that are healthy.

This is a big one. Ditch the fashion magazines and any online or television source of negative body image. It might mean dropping out of the media zone for a while but you'll need time to reset. Make an album of images of healthy bodies. Strong women, curvy women, whatever appeals to you that looks healthy.

Positive self talk! Remind yourself constantly that your body is a sacred vessel. It is the house of your soul. Treat it well.

Good luck!

 

[wibble]

Sorry you're having such rough time.

I understand that private psychotherapy can be pretty expensive but many good therapists offer a sliding fee scale so less well off people can see them, have you checked that out at all? I really found my psychotherapy invaluable and much better than what I got through the NHS.

The other thing that I found very helpful whilst trying to recover was attending a therapeutic group. We didn't talk about food ever, but focused on our feelings and past experiences. Even just having good friend you can talk to frankly can be helpful, you need a support network.

I see you are in the UK, have you looked at the B-eat website at all? They're a great charity and have lots of resources that might be of help.

In terms of CBT you could try Overcomin Anorexia Online. It does cost £65 but the bulimia one had a simple easy to follow format and it was of some use to me. I imagine the anorexia one is broadly similar.

Finally, I know this is difficult but please try not to be too hard on yourself when it feels like things are going wrong. Each day is a new day and things can get better, especially since you seem really open to testing new coping mechanisms!

P.s. are you taking antidepressants at all? They are not for everyone but I did find fluoxetine t be beneficial when I was at my worst.