Short messages on Mental health, stress and anxiety issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
If you have a friend with an eating disorder, be there for them. Try to understand what they are going through, and don’t let it dominate your relationship – underneath it they’re still your friend.
Telling someone about your eating disorder and admitting that you need help is an important step towards recovery. Decide who you would like to tell – a friend, a family member, or a professional.
If you have an eating disorder, be true to yourself. The first step to recovery is being open to yourself that you have issues around food. You may choose to express yourself initially by keeping a journal of your moods, positive thoughts and feelings.
Having an eating disorder is an isolating experience. An eating disorder is complex and difficult to overcome alone. It is important to remember that an eating disorder is not your fault – it is a serious mental illness. Being open about your eating disorder is the first step towards recovery.
Compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for the suffering or misfortune of another, including the desire to make it better.
You can still accept help whilst being independent – part of independence means knowing your limits, and not being afraid to seek help when you need it.
Know who to talk to about situations that make you anxious. Some people will help you gain perspective, while others will feed into your worries, doubts, and fears.
If the worry is solvable, start brainstorming. Make a list of all the possible solutions you can think of. Try not to get too hung up on finding the perfect solution. Focus on the things you have the power to change, rather than the circumstances or realities beyond your control. After you’ve evaluated your options, make a plan of action. Once you have a plan and start doing something about the problem, you’ll feel much less worried.
Productive, solvable worries are those you can take action on right away (for example, if you’re worried about your grades, you could speak to your teacher to see how you can improve). Unproductive, unsolvable worries are those for which there is no corresponding action (“What if I get cancer someday?” or “What if my children get into an accident?”).
Don’t let scenarios play out in your head if they didn’t happen; use your energy more productively and manage your thoughts and emotions more effectively.