Eating Disorder Support Group

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating are the main eating disorders that people suffer from. A support group can be a big help while recovering from such eating disorders. It can help one in finding the right treatment and recovering quickly. Since each and every support group cannot suit all, it helps to do some homework before attending any such group regularly. Talk with the leader of the group and get all the required details. Take the final decision after putting it on trial for some time and if it suits all your needs. But do consult a doctor before you opt for any group.

Ask the group's leader who would be the facilitator of the meetings. Most eating disorder support groups are lead by medical professionals. Some are peer-led. Check out how many people would be in a group. A large group can hinder individual attention while a smaller one can be too informal. Check whether a friend or relative whom you trust will be allowed to come to the meeting with you.

Opt for a group that would deal with the eating disorder that you are having. One can feel left out if suffering from binge eating when others are dealing with anorexia. It is necessary that topics of discussion in the meeting should focus on recovery techniques and mutual support and not on the disorder itself. The group's principles on eating disorders need to match your viewpoints.

Watch for the group's interaction with each other. You need to be able to trust the leader and the various members of the group. One can actually visit various groups and find out for oneself which one suits the best. But each group should be given at least three sittings. By joining a group you move towards forming a relationship. Combined with medication, support groups can help in improving a person's motivation for recovery from eating disorders.

Professionals agree that along with medical treatment, a strong support system is equally essential for complete recovery. Support groups help to develop spirituality within the mind of a person suffering from an eating disorder. Through this spirituality comes the healing process. Support groups also teach the concerned individual to stay connected to family and friends and to involve things that he or she enjoys in the daily schedule.

Sharing one's experience of any eating disorder with other sufferers helps a lot in doing away with the sense of stigma and loneliness that one feels. Online support groups can be equally helpful. It gives one the opportunity to interact with people from around the world. The success of such groups has shown the potential of communication via a computer. In fact, many consider on-line support groups as the precursor of e-therapy.

E-mail, Usenet and Internet bulletin boards are popular methods of communication for peer-to-peer groups and facilitated support groups. But it cannot be a substitute for human contact which is necessary while recovering from eating disorder. Many have cautioned against sympathy seekers who enter the support groups with false stories in order to gain sympathy.

• Cassandra Bagley
• 07/05/2009, 12:59 AM
• 0 Comments