The Holidays.....lots of feelings, lots of family interaction, how is it going for you? What is working for you to take care of yourself this year?

The precious value of PROTEIN to our bodies

Hello Ladies,
Many have shared about a distaste for protein concentrated foods. Yet, many have also stated that their nutritionists and doctors are strongly encouraging them to consume more protein. What are your thoughts on this topic? Any encouraging and healthful tips on how to increase one's protein intake in as palatable of a manner as possible?

DFW Eating Disorder Resources...

Hi Ladies,
Any input you have regarding treatment options available in this area would be greatly appreciated.....this first bit of info is compliments of Jeanette!

ARMERS BRANCH, Texas ABA (Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous)
DAY: Thursday
TIME: 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
LOCATION: Hope and Recovery ABA Group Ridgeview Presbyterian 12717 - Marshlane CONTACT(S): Bonnie K – (214) 929-9169 Becca D – (817) 789-2323 Lara H – (214) 235-2059 or (972) 966-3602 Belinda R – (972) 897-9450 Kristen H – (214) 392-8185
MEETING TYPE *: Closed To find an ANAD meeting is a little more difficult. Check out this webpage and they will send you meetings in your area: http://www.anad.org/site/anadwebSomething fishy (http://www.something-fishy.org) has support groups on-line and like 4 times a month they have live chats.

Here are some outpatient (day patient options here in the area)Bourland Mental Health Intensive outpatient treatment for eating disorders, Individual, couples, marriage and family therapy, chemical dependency, other addictions treatment... USA,Texas,Dallas http://www.happyme.com Stepping Stones Intensive Outpatient Program Description: Stepping Stones is an Intensive Outpatient Program which includes group, individual, and family therapy, as well as, nutritional programming from a Licensed Clinical Dietician. The program operates within a Multi Disciplinary team which includes onsite LPC's, an LD, addiction therapist and a designated consulting psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, and a cardiologist. All treaters have acquired either specialization and/or specific training in the treatment of eating disorders. The program is located in the heart of North Dallas in a private suite at Medical City Dallas. Ages served are adolescents and young adults (ages 12 thru 25). Two groups exist, one for adolescents (ages 12-18) and one for young adults (ages 19 thru late 20's). The adolescent group meets 3 groups weekly in the late afternoon/evening hours. Each week each client has one individual and also one family therapy session. Weekly nutritional counseling with the Licensed Dietician are also included. Category: Outpatient / Day Programs 7777 Forest Lane, Suite 142-B ZIP or Postal Code: 75230 Phone Number: (972) 566-4102

Thanksgiving gratitude and a little angst...:)

Important Notice to All Bloggers -- Please Read.

Hello Ladies,

Thank you for your insightful posts, honesty and obvious hard work on recovery!

Please be careful to be gentle with each other. It is very easy for misunderstanding to occur on blogs, emails, etc. since we cannot hear the tone of voice, see the facial expressions or body language.

Try to stay focused on what is going on with you, not others. Offer support, but please direct concerns to the individual directly(if their email is provided) or to me as the Blog moderator: jacquelyn@eatingdisorderhope.com.

Most of the blogs are wonderfully encouraging and helpful. Thank you for helping to create a safe and healing place on this blog.

Sincerely,


Jacquelyn Ekern

Checking In...

Hi Ladies!
Here is a great place to check in with whatever you would like to share or blog about! Take care! - Jacquelyn

Nutrition

Hello Ladies,
Here is a place to blog about your meal plans, nutrition, how you are doing with it all.....ask for support....encouragement....etc......Please remember to be pro-recovery in your post...

Perfectionism...

"Excessive striving to be perfect will invariably lead to disillusionment, heartache, and self-hatred"...Albert Ellis

Perfectionism fits the personality profile of women struggling with eating disorders, in most cases, and is already present prior to developing the eating disorder. It is complex -- tied to a strong need for approval from others to feel good about oneself. Now, we all know that is a rollercoaster ride, right? Being dependent on our performance, appearance, accolades from others, etc. sets us up to never feel secure in ourselves just for being our wonderful unique selves! What do you think about this? How have you struggled with expecting perfection from yourself?
How has it hindered you? How do you combat perfectionistic thinking with more reasonable expectations of yourself?

Appreciating the Positive in Our Lives....

Hi Ladies. I really have struggled with maintaining a rational, positive outlook at times in my life. It seemed to be very related to the eating disorder -- sort of an overall negative outlook on life. I have a long way to go, but learning to appreciate the positive things in my life has added to it's quality and the richness of my experience...Any thoughts on this?


Amanda - Thanks for keeping us posted on your progress. We miss you. College is such a big change...so much independence -- so quickly. It is a lot to process, not to mention all the hard work, needed time management, etc...It is okay to feel overwhelmed by it -- I think a lot of college freshman do--and venting here is a great outlet for growth. One of our dearly loved group members recently said that she is trying to say one positive thing for every negative thing that she says....I was really inspired by that...it seems that a big part of eating disorder recovery is becoming more aware of the positives in our lives and focusing on that more than the negative....easier said than done, I know....I am working on this skill though, and trying to see more of the positives in my life....the payoff is I feel better and life is more tolerable, even pretty darn good at times.....want to pal up with this group member and me and try this out with us. It is simple -- we say one positive thing for every negative thing.....??? Anyone else game to try this out?

Jamie- You are so supportive and kind spirited in the way you relate to others. I watch you and listen to you in group and am amazed at the depth of your sensitivity toward others. Also, you are so soothing and encouraging and accepting when others express their pain....what a lovely, lovely, lovely soul you have!

Celia- You have obviously done a lot of hard work to have the recovery that you have! It is so exciting and encouraging to see! You said " I hate being a burden. The benefits of actually telling someone are worth the risk though. I think a huge part of recovery is being vulnerable with someone we trust, meaning letting out the pain and darkness that is in us. I think a person has to be emotionally mature and stable to be able to listen"...........Wow, that is beautifully said, and I agree entirely!! Being heard for who we actually are, accepted for who we actually are and even loved for that, worts and all, is so healing....so healing that it is worth the risk to lower that mask with safe people and allow them to see who we really are....

Jeanette - I hope that you are continuing to take care of yourself and resting. Have you broken out those new dishes yet? :) It was nice to have you back in group last Wed. night....I have missed you and your wealth of experience and insight that adds so much to the group.

Warmly,

Jacquelyn

Risks of Sharing Ourselves with others....

Hi. I am wondering what you all consider to be the benefits of sharing your thoughts and feelings with others? What are the drawbacks? How do you determine if another person is emotionally safe to share more personal aspects of your inner life with? What about trusting others to keep your confidences? What if they they "think less of you" because you shared aspects of yourself that expose your humaness and/or needs?

I am impressed with the honesty and genuine sharing that has gone on in the Eating Disorder Hope support groups. It takes courage to be vulnerable to others, to share what is troubling us and let it out....it feels good to unburden ourselves and to experience loving acceptance of us and our unique perspective on life....

What do you all think? Any and all visitors are welcome to comment.

Warmly,

Jacquelyn
Founder of Eating Disorder Hope