#ENDED Twitter Chat with EDN Maryland Recap
Thank you to all that joined us last night for the #ENDED twitter chat with Eating Disorder Network of Maryland. For those of you that missed it here’s a quick recap
Q1. Eating disorders are incredibly complex- can we start by listing as many risk factors for developing an ED that we can think of?
PrjectED A1. Eating Disordered family members, #endED
liberonetwork A1 Comorbid psychiatric conditions such as anxiety + depression; painful life events. “Biology loads gun, environment pulls trigger”
liberonetwork @EDNMaryland Genetic contributors that are passed on and also modeling patterns of food learned from parents perhaps
EDNMaryland A1. Dieting can trigger someone into developing an e/d but we know it is not dieting alone that causes ed’s.
Q2. Sharon, you often talk about a person’s ED “traits.” What is that compromised of? #endED
EDNMaryland We’ve learned is that many with ed/s have very strong traits. Esp perfectionism. Society pushes for thinness so eds can develop.
EDNMaryland Personality traits: blk-white thinking, strong-willed, rigidity, impulsive, slow to change, perfectionism. #endED
@EDNMaryland: A2. We also know that most people with eds have at least one of the following: anxiety, depression, or OCD #endED –
PrjectED As clients we noticed that really common trait is either being really impulsive or the exact opposite…depending on the disorder #endED
EDNMaryland A2. Food is an easy thing to use and manipulate. You can’t get a DUI, it isn’t illegal, it comes in all types of flavors…
liberonetwork A2 Shame, people-pleasing, weak sense of self
EDNMaryland A2. Another big one is perfectionism. You have to learn and accept that not everything is going to be perfect nor should it be
MarciRD A2 As a #dietitian, I find food is the perfect play dough for practicing flexibility.#endED As people practice flexibility with food choices- what, what, where, how, why they eat, it dominoes into other areas of their life
Q3. Carolyn Costin says- we can take our traits to the light or dark. How can people with EDs use those traits for recovery?
EDNMaryland One of the common sayings for those with eds is that “they can’t see the forest for the trees.” Do you know why?
PrjectED A3. With rigidity, it can help when trying to stand your ground against those who can possibly hurt your recovery
liberonetwork: A3 Jenni Schaefer says turn perfectionism into excellency- and use healthy, balanced determination to beat ED!
EDNMaryland When you’re anxious it is hard to be emotionally flexible. It is important to really push yourself to see the bigger picture.
MarciRD A3 My clients have amazing drive and commitment that can really support their recovery when channeled!
liberonetwork: A3 A lot of people with EDs are very empathetic towards others. Learn to turn that empathy inward to themselves
EDNMaryland Another grt tool is to make yourself order something diff when you go to a restaurant and not the usual “safe” food
MarciRD: A3 I really see stubbornness transformed into commitment. And perfectionism, when softened can lead to positive action.
Q4 What are tips to dealing with these risk factors of family history including mental illness and substance abuse?#endED
EDNMaryland A4 One important thing to do is to acknowledge that your family has a hx of addiction. Don’t be in denial of it.
PrjectED A4. I think it is important to recognize what risk factors your family has. If you fail to see them then you can’t deal with them #endED
EDNMaryland A4 Many with family hx of addiction need to focus on doing things in moderation. Not overdoing (food, $, exercise…)
MarciRD A4 Looking for areas of extreme behavior, including drugs, alcohol, emotions, money, exercise, shopping, gambling, etc. #endED –
EDNMaryland A4 Talk openly with family and your tx about the hx of addiction in the family.#endED
ElizabethEats @MarciRD @EDNMaryland I find pt w/ fam hx of addiction like to view food as all or nothing. on or off. No carbs or all carbs. agree? #ended
EDNMaryland @ElizabethEats Also important to find another color besides blk or white. Even if it’s only 1 shade over it’s a start!
MarciRD A4 With my clients we are often developing new “traditions” or “guidelines” to live by- establishing new patterns that break from old #endED
Thank you to Sharon of EDN Maryland for sharing her wisdom and to all that joined!Be sure to join us on August 22nd at 8:30 pm EST for a twitter chat on Beauty Pageants and body image with Nicole Ortiz @MissDEIntl2012