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How to Utilize Online Resources for Long Term Eating Disorder Recovery
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
In the digital age of smartphones and social media, resources and information are more readily available and accessible than ever before. This comes with many pros and cons, particularly for those who might be recovering from an eating disorder.
For individuals who may be in more remote areas or living in communities where eating disorder treatment and professionals are not as easily accessible, this can definitely be a benefit. Having the opportunity to connect with others over the internet who may also be going through similar experiences can help a person in what is otherwise a very isolating experience.
Knowing When Online Resources Are Appropriate
There are times when online resources are not an appropriate substitute for in person treatment and professional interventions. In the instance that an eating disorder is acute and has resulted in severe symptoms, online resources will not be sufficient. More substantial treatment interventions will be required to assist a person through the early phases of recovery. Ideally, a person should be medically and psychologically stable and free from major eating disorder behaviors and symptoms. Any time where there is active and chronic engagement in eating disorder behaviors, in person treatment should always be considered. Other factors to consider are weight restoration, the presence of co-occurring mental illnesses or substance abuse, or the need for medication management.
When online resources serve a supplement to treatment interventions, this may be a more appropriate way to incorporate as part of the recovery process. For example, you might be within the intensive outpatient treatment level of care and also involved in an online support group or forum. This would an helpful and appropriate way to supplement recovery resources. However, online resources alone cannot take the place of professional/in person treatment interventions.
Online resources may also be more appropriate for the individual who has been in recovery from sometime and has been free of eating disorder behaviors for a substantial time period. Once in this type of remission, online resources make much more sense and can also serve as a supplement for supporting ongoing recovery.
Being Aware of Triggers
Of course, utilizing online resources means being able to have discernment to judge what may or may not be appropriate for engaging in. Many forums hide under a guise of being for recovery, when in fact, may be purposed for something completely different. Make sure that any online resources you are utilizing are aligned with what you believe is protective, positive, and helpful to your recovery efforts. Consider checking out the Eating Disorder Hope Pro-Recovery Movement as an example of an online community that can be a helpful resource for recovery.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
How have online resources helped support your recovery efforts?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 13, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
Baxter Ekern is the President of Eating Disorder Hope. He is responsible for the management and operations of Eating Disorder Hope. Baxter has been lending his services to Eating Disorder Hope for several years but came on board as the full-time president in November 2016.
