In the past, I've tried to 'recover', but have always taken one step forwards and three steps back. However one thing that I have kept going to is an adults eating disorder recovery support group. The group runs once a month and is done so by two facilitators who set the direction of the conversation. There are ground rules at the group that are put in place in order not to trigger anybody. For example: no talk of calories or weight.
I remember the night before going for the first time that I went, I was so nervous and really didn't want to go, but deep down inside, I knew I had to. All I could imagine was that scene from 'The Fault in Our Stars' when they're on the support group and they sit literally in the heart of Jesus, sing cheesy songs and quote messages of support in unison that really had no true meaning. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the room.
First of all, I was offered a cup of tea. Tea is the way to my heart, so I already felt a bit more relaxed before the session had even started. When I looked around the small room of people, I quickly realised that I had nothing to worry about-all of these people were on their own individual journeys with a variety of different ED's. Nothing I could say or express would shock them, and there would definitely be no judgement.
I decided that for the first session I would just observe how the group works, rather than actively join in myself. I didn't even take my coat off that first session because although I felt comfortable, I still wasn't completely at ease, and my anxiety levels were still quite high. I was still the new person in the group and I didn't really want to draw attention to myself if I could help it. Everyone else in the group respected that and I wasn't forced to talk at all, which was really nice because I realised that is really was a support group, not another treatment program as such. There was no pressure.
Last night, I attended my third session of this group. I recognised within 10 minutes of the session how far I'd come through the help of this small group of people. For the first time, I was able to talk about how I felt in confidence, knowing that the only response I would get would be positive and would help me move forward. I was also able to help someone else in this particular session by reflecting on my own experiences, and that felt really really good. There is one gentleman at the group who's been there every week that I have been there, and he doesn't know it, but he's helped my confidence so much, by reminding me that I can do whatever I put my mind to, and by giving me really helpful tips on how to manage my ED at uni and home.
All in all I can say nothing but positive things about this recovery support group. Yes, I still get nervous before going in, not knowing if I'll come out skipping or with tear stained cheeks, but I know that whatever I talk about in that session, is just another thing off my chest, and one less thing to worry about!
Now when I go to this group, I feel as though I'm taking 2 steps forward each time, so if I od have to take a step back, that's okay because I have still made progress.
Have a pretty day, love one another and stay positive.
Daisy May xo
I remember the night before going for the first time that I went, I was so nervous and really didn't want to go, but deep down inside, I knew I had to. All I could imagine was that scene from 'The Fault in Our Stars' when they're on the support group and they sit literally in the heart of Jesus, sing cheesy songs and quote messages of support in unison that really had no true meaning. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the room.
First of all, I was offered a cup of tea. Tea is the way to my heart, so I already felt a bit more relaxed before the session had even started. When I looked around the small room of people, I quickly realised that I had nothing to worry about-all of these people were on their own individual journeys with a variety of different ED's. Nothing I could say or express would shock them, and there would definitely be no judgement.
I decided that for the first session I would just observe how the group works, rather than actively join in myself. I didn't even take my coat off that first session because although I felt comfortable, I still wasn't completely at ease, and my anxiety levels were still quite high. I was still the new person in the group and I didn't really want to draw attention to myself if I could help it. Everyone else in the group respected that and I wasn't forced to talk at all, which was really nice because I realised that is really was a support group, not another treatment program as such. There was no pressure.
Last night, I attended my third session of this group. I recognised within 10 minutes of the session how far I'd come through the help of this small group of people. For the first time, I was able to talk about how I felt in confidence, knowing that the only response I would get would be positive and would help me move forward. I was also able to help someone else in this particular session by reflecting on my own experiences, and that felt really really good. There is one gentleman at the group who's been there every week that I have been there, and he doesn't know it, but he's helped my confidence so much, by reminding me that I can do whatever I put my mind to, and by giving me really helpful tips on how to manage my ED at uni and home.
All in all I can say nothing but positive things about this recovery support group. Yes, I still get nervous before going in, not knowing if I'll come out skipping or with tear stained cheeks, but I know that whatever I talk about in that session, is just another thing off my chest, and one less thing to worry about!
Now when I go to this group, I feel as though I'm taking 2 steps forward each time, so if I od have to take a step back, that's okay because I have still made progress.
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| A cute little recovery pic to remind me to just keep swimming. |
Have a pretty day, love one another and stay positive.
Daisy May xo
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