How do you cope with parties? We have a Halloween party at the weekend. I do not want to go, but my husband is insisting that we go that getting me out will help me. But the thought of it is already sending my anxiety through the roof!
Alcohol, food, people. Not my favourite combination by any stretch. I don’t know how to cope!
Know the feeling - my husband has bought tickets for a bonfire party - food included - and I don't know any of the people as they are his friends - so deep breath - its only one evening - one meal - the reality is it is not going to be the end of the world - no one else cares if we eat or not - and if your party is a buffet - you're still in control - and many don't drink alcohol these days so soft drinks are accepted without a comment. I just look forward to the day when I won't be letting my ED ruin events that are normal and fun for everyone else - let's pray that day is round the corner and not miles down the road! Good luck with the event - as I say - only a few hours and it will be over.
It’s all just getting too much now. Just too much I need it all to stop.
I used to feel a lot of pressure when going to events or dinners, that I need to eat like everyone else! In the end you only responsible for yourself, so eat what's good for you and the food you enjoy. You don't owe anything to anyone. Do what's good for you!!
Thank you! I just know there will be an expectation from the others and my other half!
And your other half doesn't understand that this is a difficult situation for you?
No, he doesn’t. I’m not sure it’s because he won’t or can’t. But he thinks I’m just being stupid really. I have a good life therefore I have nothing to worry about and I should be happy with everything. Body included.
An eating disorder is an illness, one of the sleeziest I think. It's not about being happy or unhappy, or having a good or bad life. If someone has cancer we don't say just be happy and everything is fine. Sorry my example might be a bit extreme... I think you are allowed to see it as an illness that you want to recover from but don't blame yourself for having it.
At the same time it is very difficult for anyone without ED to understand ED!!and probably he really wants you to be healthy and enjoying your life. And we also have to accept that it is hard for our loved ones. Reading books or watching documentaries about ED might help him/you both for a better understanding for each other...
Coping with body changes
Being stuck in foreign body ..
Scared about starting treatment for recovery
does real recovery truly exist?