Forgiveness is letting go of the pain and accepting what has happened, because it will not change. Forgiveness is dismissing the blame. Choices were made that caused the hurt; we each could have chosen differently, but we didn’t. Forgiveness is looking at the pain, learning the lessons it has produced, and understanding what we have learned.
It is okay to ask for help with your personal issues. Everyone is human, and no-one is expecting you to be a superstar in coping with something you feel you can’t or don’t know how to overcome on your own.
Forgiveness does not mean that you let anyone off the hook, it means that your present happiness is more important than your past suffering. Forgiveness does not mean that you condone the hurtful things done to you, it means that you reclaim your right to run your own life.
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support 24/7 to those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings.
When caring for someone with an eating disorder, remember the top tips: learn the facts (the more you know, the more you can help), break the silence (give them that vital opportunity to open up), early intervention is best (get them specialist help as soon as possible), take care of yourself (you need your own support) and recovery is always possible (you can help them beat their eating disorder).
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.
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.