Eating Disorder Support
The Help You Need on Your Recovery Journey
There is an abundance of eating disorder support online and in your local community. Bulimia support groups are made up of people just like you.
If you haven’t participated in eating disorder support groups before, I can say first hand they can be tremendously helpful.
Having an addiction is hard enough.
Trying to go it alone during recovery can feel just as lonely and unfulfilling as living with your eating disorder.
Listening to others share about their lives and feeling the sense of community when you’re with people who understand first hand what you’re going through can be such a huge relief.
Prepare to be amazed…and uplifted.
Please check out our bulimia recovery ebook filled with real world experiences from recovered bulimics and how they found the best support group for their needs.
Maybe you’re just starting your road to recovery, but you will reach a point where you actually start thriving in bulimia recovery. You might be hesitant to attend a group meeting in person. Please don’t be. You will be amazed at how kind, down to earth and authentic the people are. They are also an excellent source of information and advice.
Eating disorder support groups can inspire and uplift you
The benefit of eating disorder support, specifically bulimia support groups, is that you’ll be around people who truly understand your struggles. Addiction isn’t just physically manifested; it’s also in our minds.
Bulimia support groups allow you to share you story, your fears, and your daily battles with ED. Even just by listening to others tell the story of their eating disorder, you can better understand yourself. You will quickly realize, not only are you never alone because there are people out there just like you, but they can help you start to make better choices and find your way to a new life.
I’m ready – where can I find a bulimia support group?
Being nervous to meet other recovering bulimics is normal.
Once you decide to attend an eating disorder support group meeting, you may feel nervous to share your feelings. That’s completely normal. Remember the people in the group are either there for their first time (just like you) or were once and know how you feel.
Realize before you start that it takes time to build new bridges and friendships, but I assure you you’ll connect more quickly with people you meet in recovery than you ordinarily do with people. You will connect because you share a common bond. A familiar crutch.
I encourage you to visit a few meetings or attend a few calls and get to know the bulimia support group before you make a decision to stay or move on. Share what you’re comfortable sharing about – or just listen.
I sat through dozens of meeting without saying a word – ever.
Remember everyone there is attending for the same reason. Don’t you think they were nervous to share once, too?
If you still don’t feel comfortable after several meetings, maybe the group isn’t right for you. Don’t be discouraged. Try another option where the eating disorder support group is made up of people of a different age, maybe a different format (live vs phone vs online) or made up of a different mix of people.
You Have Options
Keep in mind there are lots of types of bulimia support groups. Don’t get discouraged if the first one you choose isn’t the right fit for you. Consider your options, try a few different types until you find just the right one. You don’t have to commit to just one, either.
Think Little Red Writing Hood – this one’s too cold, too hard, too small. Oh, this one is jussssst right.
Here are a few of the eating disorder support options:
Overeaters Anonymous – One of the largest and most well recognized bulimia support groups. A 12 step program based upon the format of Alcoholics Anonymous. In-person meetings across the United States. Larger cities will have multiple meetings, smaller cities may only have one. You can expect anonymity in this group.
Online Support Groups – Life can get busy. If you don’t have time for meetings, or live in a rural area, you can find virtual eating disorder support groups.
Group Coaching – You don’t have to go at it alone. A group session gets you in touch with the same intimate group every week. Therapists in your city may offer group coaching sessions and the costs can be less than 1:1 coaching.
Counselor / Therapists – Meet with a trained psychologist one-on-one to discuss your needs, thoughts and daily concerns. You can find an eating disorder therapist in your city or have phone calls with one in a different area.
Recovery Mentors – When you need a symbiotic relationship, a mentor can be a better answer than an eating disorder support group. Overeaters Anonymous offers sponsors and sometimes through online chat rooms you can find recovered bulimics who are willing to help you overcome bulimia.
Your recovery is in your hands. It’s a road that will have many twists and possibly a few U-turns. With the right support and the right mindset you can continue on a healthy path to being the very best you. An eating disorder support group, among other methods, is just one way you can learn to thrive in your recovery.