Treating Eating Disorders: An Occupational Therapy Approach
RecoveryAt the age of thirteen, I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Without proper support, understanding, or resources it took me ten years to receive the appropriate treatment I needed to recover. A year into recovery, I began my journey pursuing…
Traveling, Healing, Learning
RecoveryI believe that traveling teaches us so much about ourselves, the world, and our relationship to both. That being said, traveling was merely a dream I had for a very long time. I very much wanted to experience new places. I wanted to feel the…
Using Art to Quiet the ED Voice
Recovery“But I’m just not that artistic!” is something I hear frequently in practice with individuals working through their eating disorder recovery. You don’t have to consider yourself “artistic “to use creative expression as a coping mechanism…
Stigma Towards Recovered Eating Disorder Professionals
RecoveryIt is widely recognized that there is stigma towards mental health (vs. physical health) problems. The perception is that many people with psychological disorders somehow “choose” to have them, that it's their “fault” for being “weak,”…
Becoming a Champion
Anorexia, Recovery, Student LifeBlood, sweat, and tears. That’s what it takes to become a champion, right? And then what? After you push yourself until you drop, after you win, after you abuse your body and mind to get to that one place you are so determined to get…
Self-Care: Spa Tips
Recovery, Special TopicsWhile reflecting on this past World Eating Disorders Action Day (June 2, 2018), I realized how much I love the word “action.” It’s about doing what we can to make a difference. On a personal level, when I think about action against eating…
Self-Care: Sitting with Discomfort
Recovery, Special TopicsSelf-care is a practice of sitting with discomfort. It is more than a manicure, a massage, or even therapy and meditation. What lies behind all these acts of self-care that we deem so estimable? Why are these acts so difficult, and at times…
Safeguarding my Recovery as I Plan My Wedding
Recovery, Special TopicsMy anxiety started with dress shopping. I secretly hoped for a fantasy moment of bridal beauty, to pull on something slinky and white and glow. Instead, the saleslady shook her head at the sample size dress and my, well, non-sample-size body.…
Self-Care: 20 Minutes to a More Peaceful Space
Recovery, Special TopicsIt's easy to feel like you’re in disarray when your space feels cluttered. Do a quick tidy-up. Throw all clothes in a hamper, wash the dishes in the sink, and make sure everything is in its place! Even if you just take the time to straighten…
Binge Eating Disorder Recovery—It’s Not About Weight Loss
Binge Eating Disorder, Recovery, Understanding Eating DisordersBinge Eating Disorder (BED) is more common than most people realize. In a culture obsessed with appearance, internalizing feelings of shame about body size and shape are all too common. The stereotypes and weight stigma associated with BED have…