Are you struggling at the moment?
Contact us here or for urgent support contact lifeline on 13 11 14

Sending Hope Issue #10

The internet has saved 2020
#RecoveryContinues

Hi ,

Wow, what a fortnight it has been since our last issue. Before we get into issue 10 of Sending Hope, we want to let you know that there is some new information regarding COVID-19 and eating disorders since we were last in touch:

- We highly recommend you read this page on our website to bring you up to speed. Everyone should be following physical distancing measures at this point, but it’s even more crucial if you are in recovery.

-  The federal government has announced that all Australians on a Mental Health Care Plan or an Eating Disorder Plan can now see their therapists and clinicians through telehealth (video conferencing or via phone). These sessions will also now be bulk billed, which means you will not be out of pocket. For more information regarding this, please contact your treatment team.

OK! Now that the updates are out of the way, we want to share with you some positive things. That’s not to say we are diminishing the grief, stress and overall uncertainty of this whole situation. This is an immensely challenging time, even more so if you are trying to recover from the grips of an eating disorder. However, we’re all about acceptance here at EDV (it’s one of our core values), and with acceptance comes the ability to hope for a better tomorrow. 

So how do we find hope in the current climate? We turn to the internet of course! The internet has hands down saved 2020 and that’s why we want to share with you some of our favourite things that you can explore online to feel connected, positive and hopeful. 

#Kindnesspandemic and other sources for good stuff

The #KindnessPandemic is an Australian facebook group where members share stories of surprising acts of kindness they've encountered - the perfect antidote to toilet paper fist fights. Search the group and request to join, then pass the kindness on by inviting your friends! 

Some Good News is a YouTube series created by The Office star John Krasinski. Happy news stories and celebrity cameos (first ep features Steve Carell!) is sure to make you smile. 

The Happy Broadcast is a website that brings you good news stories from around the world. Friendly graphics and large font make it great for kids to view too.

Recovery blogs, videos and podcasts 

It's always nice to know that in the online world you're never alone in your recovery. Here's some things that have stood out over the past couple of weeks:

- 7 ways to keep working towards recovery during the pandemic
- Positive coping mechanisms to get through COVID-19
- Miley Cyrus talks to Demi Lovato on Instagram live about coping with negative body image thoughts while stuck at home (profanity warning!) 
- COVID19 and eating disorder recovery - Food Psych podcast 

Online meditation and mindfulness

We all need to hear a calming voice every now and then right? Check out these free options:

- Insight Timer app is free and offers guided meditation, insightful talks, music and more.
- Stop Breathe & Think is a free app offers customization to find the best mediation for you
- Ten percent happier is an online community that has created a special coronavirus sanity guide of meditations and podcasts to help get you through.

No travel? No problem! Explore some of the most beautiful sites in the world.

Google Arts and Culture have made a huge range of sites and museums available through virtual tours online. Always wanted to see the temples of Angkor Wat? Or see the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower? Now's your chance! 

#AnimalsAtHome

Different zoos around the world have live cams of their animal enclosures, but our favourite would have to be the Sea Otter cam at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. Having this stream on your TV in the background is strangely soothing! 

Staying connected online

By this point you've probably got House Party downloaded on your phone. If not, check it out, and don't forget to get your mum/dad/grandparents on it too so that you can have group video calls! 

Get the gang together for a movie night! If you have a Netflix account you can host an online movie night with your friends and family through Netflix Party.

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.