Eating disorders are serious conditions where eating behaviors negatively impact your emotions, your health, and your ability to perform daily life functions.Binge-eating disorder is one of the most common eating disorders.Eating disorders can be treated by joining support groups.You can join a support group if you are ready to begin this part of treatment.
Step 1: Find a group with the help of a therapist.
Not all types of group support are appropriate for everyone.If you want to get the right type of group support, you should see a therapist first.One-on-one therapy is a great way to recover from an eating disorder.
Step 2: There is a self-help group.
There are different support groups that you can attend.A self-help group is one option.The people who run and organize the group are the fellow members.The support group is run by people who have a history of eating disorders.Managers of the sessions know exactly what you are going through so these groups are helpful.These may be referred to as fellowship groups, mutual help groups or peer support groups.
Step 3: There is a professionally operated group.
The professionally operated group is the major type of eating disorder support group.Mental health professionals have been trained to work with patients with eating disorders.Hospitals or treatment centers can be used to run these.Professionals that run these types of groups are usually licensed therapists, social workers, or psychologists.
Step 4: Decide between an open and closed group.
There are two types of memberships that your support group can use.Depending on your comfort level with others or the types of people you want in your support group, the type of group you attend varies.An open support group, where anyone can attend the group without meeting specific criteria.A closed support group is a group of people who meet certain criteria.
Step 5: You can find one in your area.
Making sure you attend the meetings frequently is the best way to get the most out of a support group.You can find a support group in your area if you are close to your home.You need to look for a local support group in your city.You can inquire about an eating disorder support group at your local hospital or treatment facility.If you want to find a support group in your area, there are online locators.
Step 6: You need to be ready for a support group.
You need to be ready for a support group.You should support groups for help at a specific point in your treatment.You shouldn't force yourself into this type of treatment until you're ready.When you're ready for this part of your treatment plan, you can work with your doctor or therapist.
Step 7: Attend support group meetings.
When you have an eating disorder, you may be isolated from others.You can get out of your comfort zone by joining a support group and going to meetings on a regular basis.You will feel less alone in your recovery if you attend an eating disorder support group.Shame, guilt, and protectiveness of the habits associated with your disorder may cause your isolation.In order to help with your recovery, work past these issues.
Step 8: Listen to what other people have to say.
You will learn to listen to others in a support group.This will help you connect with other people.You will learn how to better communicate with those around you because you will connect with them during every session.In your own recovery, you can learn from other's experience.When you attend a support group meeting, listen closely to what people have to say.
Step 9: You can get to know people at support group meetings.
Many people with eating disorders also have social anxiety disorders.Going to a support group will help you socialize with other people, but in a supportive environment.This will help you face your fears in a way that is less frightening than out in the world.As you start connecting more to others, these situations will help you become more confident as a person.Hang around for a while after a meeting.If you want to catch up with people you have already met, introduce yourself to them.Ask how other people are doing and be honest about what's bothering you.Being around people can be difficult if you have social anxiety.If you want to feel more comfortable around people, you need to work with your therapist.
Step 10: When you share, be honest.
It may be hard to open yourself up to others when you are learning to socialize again.You will be able to start opening up to others again if you work with a support group.It's possible to let people into your life again if you share your feelings.You should tell your support group how you are feeling.Your support group members will have a chance to help you in any way they can.If you have been struggling with weighing yourself multiple times each day, support group members who have also struggled with the same thing may be able to offer helpful advice.
Step 11: Continue the treatment plans.
A successful treatment plan for eating disorders includes joining a support group.You will be working with a therapist to help you work through the issues that led to your disorder.It is possible that you are receiving medical care that will help you move past your disorder.You have to continue treatment in order to get better.
Step 12: Group cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended.
There are a few different types of group therapy that you can try.Group cognitive behavioral therapy is similar to the personal kind, but you work with others who are also suffering from eating disorders.In these sessions, you work with a therapist and the other members of the group to address your behaviors and feelings connected to your disorder, healthy eating patterns, and learn management skills for your symptoms.This is similar to two different types of treatment.
Step 13: Family therapy can be considered.
Group therapy with members of your family is called family based therapy.Your family learns how to help you achieve a healthy weight.Teens working with their parents can benefit from this type of therapy.
Step 14: There are online support groups.
You can attend online support groups for eating disorders if you are not comfortable meeting in person.If you don't live near support group meetings, these can be helpful.If you feel uncomfortable talking about your disorder, they can be helpful.Online support groups should be a complement to therapy or other professional treatments rather than a substitute.Video meetings, online chats, posts in chat rooms, and similar electronic meetings are some of the types of meetings.Some groups cost money, but there are many that are free.The groups can be open or closed.Membership in the institution that hosts the session is required for the closed groups.