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Sending Hope Issue #12

"What's in it for me?"

Hi there ,

Have you ever had that thought? Perhaps you have questioned what the point of recovery is, particularly at the moment when life is even more challenging. It's a completely understandable conundrum, especially given eating disorders often trick us into thinking they are our friend. 

If you're newly in recovery, or you haven't yet experienced some of the benefits of recovery, it can be difficult to know whether it's worth changing what currently feels normal into a new normal. Our telehealth nurse Shannyn has shared some of the key improvements to your health and overall wellbeing that you can expect to see as you progress with your recovery. 

These insights have been shared as part of a new video series called Candid Convos that is being shared on EDV's instagram account. Check out the latest installment here. Please note that what is shared is not a replacement for professional medical or mental health advice.

1. Sustained energy
 Everyone likes to wake up with more energy in the morning right? One of the most exciting things to happen when your body begins to adjust to recovery is an increase in sustained energy. Granted, it can take some time to get here, particularly if you are going through re-nourishment and your body is working extra hard to restore and repair. However over time you will likely find yourself more focused on what you're doing, and less focused on when you can get home to take a nap.

2. Mood stabilization
Like sustained energy, your mood is something that can level out in recovery. Some of this can be due to more stable blood sugars through regular eating, and some of this might be about feeling more satiated due to honouring your hunger. Of course, some people will need additional support to stabilize their mood, such as medication, so it's important to be aware of how you're feeling and talk to your treatment team about the best approach for you.

3. Clearer thinking patterns
Brain fog, inability to concentrate on tasks, obsessing about food and exercise? These common side effects of an eating disorder can limit your ability to work, study and cope with life in general! It may seem like a small change, but being able to think more clearly with less brain 'noise' gives you the ability to focus on everything else that is going on in your day. This is not to say that your eating disorder thoughts are going to diminish completely, but you can adjust how much space they take up for you mentally.

4. Decreased urge to restrict/binge/purge 
Whilst eating disorder cycles look different for each person, a common thread in eating disorder recovery is a change in the urge to engage in restrict/binge/purge cycles. This can be due to feeling more satiated, but also due to your ability to tolerate and move through unpleasant feelings (hello clearer thinking patterns) without resorting to unhealthy behaviours. 
 

The effects of recovery a cumulative, and each time you add a building block your structure gets stronger. Sometimes the structure topples over, but that's ok. We learn how to re-build a little differently next time. 

Take care .
Until next time,

Team EDV

Remember, if you need to talk to someone, please give our Hub a call during business hours on 1300 550 236, or email edv@eatingdisorders.org.au

For urgent support please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

Eating Disorders Victoria respect and welcome diversity of culture, religion, gender and sexuality.