We've all heard it, "Denial is not just a river in Egypt." Not only is the Nile the only river in Egypt, but denial is an oft used defense mechanism for sufferers of eating disorders.
Defense mechanisms in and of themselves are not always pathological. It is only those that are "immature" in nature and keep people in their eating disorder that are harmful. Far too often, sufferers may hear of a peer becoming gravely ill and tell themselves, "It cannot happen to me," or "I'll stop before that happens...I'm not that sick." How will you know?
To test if a thought is rational, say it aloud. If it doesn't make sense or you cannot repeat it to someone else, it bears further thought.
Distortion causes the misreading of social cues and their own body. This is also from the malnutrition and the obsessive nature of the eating disorder itself.
Even within the pain of therapy and eating disorder treatment, more positive defenses can be employed. Anticipation of uncomfortable events such as meals can be dampened through making a joke of the fear that exists. This allows for planning such as finding a meal buddy to get through the tough times.
Defend your right to have a healthy body and mind.
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