What have you given up because of your eating disorder?

One of the promises of an eating disorder is that whatever your reason for starting, the promise is that things will be "better" for you.  For athletes/exercisers the promise is usually that you will perform better.  And you may find that your performance does improve for a bit; however, it truly is a matter of time before you will have to give up your reason for starting to begin with: your beloved sport.

I have had conversations with a number of young women about what they have had to give up because of their eating disorder and nearly every one of them said that they are not as active as they used to be.  And a couple specifically said that they can no longer participate in their sport(s) because they simply do not have the mental and/or physical energy they need. 

Not only has their performances suffered...they are no longer performing at all!  They have given up something in which they used to find joy...something that used to make them feel good - mentally and physically.

Take stock of what you have given up or compromised on because of your eating disorder.  Is it really worth it to you?  Are you getting what you had hoped for or what was "promised"?  What do you want to take back that you had to give up?  Do you know what you need to do to get it back?  If not, or if what you have tried simply isn't working - consider working with an eating disorder specialist to help (ideally one that knows something about sport psychology as well).

Let us know what is working for you and what you have been able to take back as a result of your hard work!!

Comments

[Ann]

I LOVE to run, it makes me so happy. I've done some marathons, half-marathons, lots of 5k's. This past summer I started participating in sprint triathlons. The training for these is intense, but being bulimic took a toll on my body and I was told many times that I needed to restrict the length/intensity of my workouts. This is something that I could not fathom doing, I didn't/don't know who I am without the exercise. I started visiting with a nutritionist and realized quickly how little I was actually consuming vs how much I energy I was expending.
The weekend after our first meeting, I tore my ACL skiing and couldn't continue my intense workout schedule. I'm heart broken, I am limited now physically and it's affecting me mentally. This has been a reality shock to me as far as my recovery process. I've had to really focus on changing on trying to find different coping strategies.
The nutritionist working along side my counselor has been helpful. We work to improve my caloric intake with each visit, by adding a little to one or two food groups.
I haven't had my surgery yet, and with each passing day that I don't know when it will be is another day that I have to step up my battle against ED. With my injury, I'm limited as much as I have been in the worst days of my ED. I just keep visualizing the good days, where I ate very well and had amazing workouts and didn't feel light headed or nauseous afterwards. I've rambled quite a bit, I guess the only thing I know to do is to be persistent. Eventually, I'll have my surgery and I'll beat my ED and I'll be able to participate in an IRONMAN! I'll be HEALTHY and I can't wait till that day comes!!!

[Laura]

Ann, that day will come. Until then, keep doing what you have to do so that you can do what you want to do.

I also used to exercise a lot - lots of competitive sports all growing up and through college + recreational running. At first, my nutritionist told me to stick to 20 minutes of running. Then the running turned to walking. But, every time, I'd just turn that walk right into a run and go for longer than 20 minutes. Lately, I have been told to not exercise at all. I'm doing it b/c it's what I need to do (I guess...), but I really do miss feeling strong and active.

[Ann]

Thanks, Laura! That day will come for you too! We just have to believe in ourselves.

I think this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I played collegiate softball, and now I just play for fun. But, now I can't do that or anything that consists of quick stopping/starting/turning. My friend ran a trail 5k today and I couldn't go with her, this thing doesn't just affect me it affects those around me too. She didn't want to do the run b/c I wasn't there to do it with her. I think she was just as upset as I was.

Laura, keep up the good work. Soon, you'll start feeling strong again. Just keep dreaming of the day when we can be active and not have any worries!

[Maria]

I want to add that also parents have to give up a lot of things if their child suffers from an eating disorder. here is an interesting site for parents:

http://www.e-mental-health.eu/anorexia/website/eating.php

Thanks Laura!

[Christine Selby]

Yes. Absolutely. Eating disorders affect the individual him/herself as well as those who care about them.

[Maria]

for those parents who want ot understand the eating disorder of their child better. They can join therapist guided chat-groups with other parents which start now!

http://www.e-mental-health.eu/anorexia/website/eating.php

http://www.e-mental-health.eu/anorexia/website/anorexia.php

thanks!!