Coping Mechanisms for Eating Disorders

[Coexist.]

I thought it'd be cool to start a thread about alternative coping mechanisms for people with eating disorders. People often ask how to get through urges, so maybe we can all name some ways! It doesn't matter behavior you're coping with, from restricting, purging, or binging, how do YOU get through an urge?
I kind of split mine into two different categories. Some are my own, some I got from different people I have talked to, some from self help websites. Feel free to add on, and you don't have to categorize! I just want to hear what different people say, so I can add onto my own list, and help others needing the help!


Ways to distract yourself

• Write in your journal/blog
• Write poetry or fiction, go post it in Self Expression!
• Listen to your favorite music, and blast it!
• Play a musical Instrument
• Play with children, and watch them laugh
• Pop or stomp on bubble-wrap
• Have a water balloon fight with friends
• Go on chat, say hi, or help somebody out!
• Paint a picture, fingerpaint, be messy!
• Go to the pet store, hold the pets, and give them some love.
• Take a long hot bath and relax
• Hug someone
• Have a pajama day with a friend, watch some movies, and just relax.
• Take a long drive, play some music, and get away for a while
• Go to a concert
• Tumblr
• Take a leisurely walk
• Rent your favorite movie, and have a night to yourself
• Take a trip to the toy store
• Call an old friend
• Stay in touch with people, don't isolate yourself with your disorder.

When you feel out of control

• Remind yourself you are recovering, and that everything will be alright
• Think about the current moment-The past is over, the future will never come. All you have is right then, and your choices then.
• Count up 1 to 10 then back 10 to 1
• Draw on yourself. Feel the marker on your skin. Put positive messages.
• Call someone on the phone
• Go on Chat. Talk to somebody about how you're feeling.
• Walk around and and listen to the sounds of your footsteps
• Make a list of everybody you love and everything you love, and remember why you're recovering
• Listen to yourself breathe -Do breathing exercises.
• Listen to music and count the beats. March along with it.
• Hug someone you love
• Hold someone's hand
• Tear up paper, throw ice, chew ice chips
• Focus on details... leaves on trees, blades of grass, fibers in carpet
• Call your therapist
• Call a Hotline

I hope this helps, PLEASE add on, anybody who is recovering!

[macmac1919]

This thread is a great idea!


Ok so here's some of my distractions:

-if you have a stereo, turn up the bass and lay down on the floor or sit close by and feel the vibrations
-ball up a pair of socks (i perfer the colorful fuzzy ones and chuck them at a wall if you're mad
-MUSIC!!! (play it, listen to it, or write it)
-draw a pic of anything
-attempt to clean your room or living space
-read a good book
-check out Traci's 'Hopeful' link in her signature- I've never seen anything so amazing and inspirational in my life.

Hope this helps!

[Katie Lydia]

one that helped me was to doodle. just take a piece of paper and doodle silly things, i always drew hearts, stars and pawprints.

[.Jess.]

Mine isn't really a physical action but in my mind when I'm feeling guilty about eating something I really try to rationalise it. It doesn't always work and it depends what it is I've eaten but I try to give myself a real good talking to to make sure I know the feelings I have aren't okay. Like for example if I'm feeling bad after dinner I'll rationalise it in sections. That I need each carbs, protein and veg, that they were normal or even smaller portions, and that my body needs this to keep me going etc etc.

[Coexist.]

I love drawing too!
And Jessie, I do similar things. I just try to reason with myself, say it's fine that I'm hungry, and that everything is alright.
Another thing is to go out with a large group of friends. It distracts you, there's no way you can just focus on the trigger.
Come on guys! Keep on posting! Let's get this list going!

[.Jess.]

Sometimes I find writing meal plans in advance a helpful thing. It stops me fretting about what I've got to have and thinking about planning my meals all the time. It take's that anxiety away because I've got it all sorted and it doesn't need thinking about! It's like some kind of responsibility has been lifted, because now I have no choice in what I eat