Four Tips for finding support and setting boundaries in eating disorder recovery
You may believe you can manage your recovery and healing from your eating disorder alone, but getting support is essential. It is human nature to both need and seek support, comfort, and accompaniment from loved ones, peers, and other beings. Finding a stable support system can be challenging. However, it is worth pursuing because it is crucial for a successful recovery.
Below are four tips for building your support system and setting boundaries to prevent you from settling for care that is less than what you deserve.
Consider That Family and Loved Ones Are Not Your Only Means of Support
Knowing that your family and loved ones can provide comfort and help through the challenging time of recovery is reassuring. But remember, family support is not by default. The understanding that family members are your most prominent advocates and supporters is quite traditional. However, it does not apply to everyone. Alternatively, relying on someone other than your family for support and guidance is also valuable. Other people you can go to for help include medical professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and doctors. Or others, like teachers, mentors, and support groups. There are people outside your inner circle willing to support you through this challenging time; you just need to find a stable support system that works for you.
Discover What Kind of Assistance and Structure You Need From Your Support System
Sometimes you may want to talk with zero interruptions, but there are also times when you may crave silence and advice. Reflect upon what you need from those supporting you, and let them know. Tell them if you are seeking advice or want to be silent. Establishing a support structure that is best for you and your recovery is vital. Be as clear as you can about what they should and should not discuss with or around you, and if you aren’t sure, communicate that! Regardless of how it looks to outsiders, create an atmosphere that promotes open communication, growth, and healing from your eating disorder.
Set Boundaries and Know it is Alright to Distance Yourself From Those Who Do Not Serve You During Your Recovery.
Setting boundaries can be challenging. However, sometimes they are necessary to get the space and help you need on your journey towards recovery. If you live with or are friends with people who do not support your healing, it may be best to distance yourself from them as best you can. Spending time with people who do not encourage your recovery can be more harmful than beneficial. You deserve to be surrounded by people who assist and uplift you in healing from your eating disorder, not people who give your ED a helping hand.
Establish Your Values and Seek Out Those Around You Who Exemplify Such Characteristics
What makes you, you? In whom, where, and what do you find worth and importance? It is often beneficial for you to determine your beliefs, morals, and value so that you can find people who share them or are working toward them as well. Take some time to think and even journal on these things. Figure out what you need and want the people around you to portray. Stay true to your values and to those who align. Remember, this is your healing and recovery, so be around people who will help set you free.
Suppose you are looking for eating disorder recovery support. BALANCE can offer you access to a compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians trained to diagnose and treat the spectrum of eating disorders and provide you with expert care and guidance.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, located in New York City, offers free consultation calls to help you explore next steps. We provide in-person programming seven days a week and are in-network with UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Cigna, and Oscar, with Aetna coverage coming soon. Support is available, and recovery is possible. Schedule a free consultation call with our admissions team here and stay connected with BALANCE on Instagram here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is a recent graduate of St. Catherine University, having earned a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition Science. Tori is passionate about all things related to intuitive eating, HAES, mental health, body respect, eating disorders, and disordered eating. She also geeks out on neuroscience and loves studying the brain and its anatomy. Tori currently works as a Mental Health Practitioner at an eating disorder clinic. Outside work, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature, and drinking coffee.
