In addition to the great information Maryann provided, the next step (after identifying the problem, and having motivation to change) is to figure out what the triggers are to the unhealthy behavior.
The original poster said she does great...until she has stress or another bad emotion. I think that describes most people...you are not alone! It's "easy" to be healthy and make all the right choices when things are going great. What takes learning and practice is to continue making good, healthy choices when things aren't going so great.
If you know your triggers are related to emotions that are difficult to deal with (sadness, loneliness, excess stress), make a plan to learn effective coping strategies. You can read books, talk with teachers, co-workers, friends, relatives, coaches...everyone has different ideas of "effective, healthy coping strategies", and you need to begin trying out different techniques while things are GOOD...so that they are a habit when things are going bad.
Coping strategies fall into two main categories: emotion-focused and problem-focused. You can read more about these differences in my response to this question: Is venting to a friend about a problem healthy?.
Coping techniques can include various activities, depending on what the trigger is, and what makes you feel good and healthy. Examples can be calling a certain friend or relative (venting), engaging in an activity you love (dancing, art, exercise), doing something rewarding (spring cleaning), doing something for another person (volunteering), joining a support group...the list goes on!
I am also interested in hearing back from the second poster, as she said she was going to talk with a therapist. I would love to hear the update!
Lastly, please know that eating disorders are conditions that do need to be treated by a professional. If you are actively binging, binging and purging or restricting your diet...please talk with a professional psychologist. Some women engage in emotional eating, and finding healthier coping techniques can work. However, if a woman has a diagnosable eating disorder, a professional can help. It may take meeting with a few different professionals until you find one whom you "click" with; it is akin to a relationship and you need to find someone you trust and have a rapport with.
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In addition to the great information Maryann provided, the next step (after identifying the problem, and having motivation to change) is to figure out what the triggers are to the unhealthy behavior.
The original poster said she does great...until she has stress or another bad emotion. I think that describes most people...you are not alone! It's "easy" to be healthy and make all the right choices when things are going great. What takes learning and practice is to continue making good, healthy choices when things aren't going so great.
If you know your triggers are related to emotions that are difficult to deal with (sadness, loneliness, excess stress), make a plan to learn effective coping strategies. You can read books, talk with teachers, co-workers, friends, relatives, coaches...everyone has different ideas of "effective, healthy coping strategies", and you need to begin trying out different techniques while things are GOOD...so that they are a habit when things are going bad.
Coping strategies fall into two main categories: emotion-focused and problem-focused. You can read more about these differences in my response to this question: Is venting to a friend about a problem healthy?.
Coping techniques can include various activities, depending on what the trigger is, and what makes you feel good and healthy. Examples can be calling a certain friend or relative (venting), engaging in an activity you love (dancing, art, exercise), doing something rewarding (spring cleaning), doing something for another person (volunteering), joining a support group...the list goes on!
I am also interested in hearing back from the second poster, as she said she was going to talk with a therapist. I would love to hear the update!
Lastly, please know that eating disorders are conditions that do need to be treated by a professional. If you are actively binging, binging and purging or restricting your diet...please talk with a professional psychologist. Some women engage in emotional eating, and finding healthier coping techniques can work. However, if a woman has a diagnosable eating disorder, a professional can help. It may take meeting with a few different professionals until you find one whom you "click" with; it is akin to a relationship and you need to find someone you trust and have a rapport with.
Please let us know how you are doing!
April 21, 2011 - 11:28amThis Comment
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