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Returning from medical leave in bulimia recovery
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
For many working individuals who are dealing with bulimia, taking necessary time off from work is warranted in order to receive needed treatment for recovery and physical/mental stabilization.
For organizations and companies that are subject to the Family and Medical Leave ACT (FMLA), employees are able to receive a leave of absence from work for certain medical situations, which may include treatment for bulimia nervosa. Under the FMLA, eligible employees may receive up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave for addressing certain medical conditions.
If you or a loved one has been struggling with bulimia nervosa while working, the FMLA can be helpful in securing job protection while allowing you the time needed for seeking out the treatment that is needed.
While taking that amount of time off from work can be helpful, it can also make for a difficult transition back to the workplace when the FMLA has concluded. Optimizing the time you have off for medical leave can ensure you are as prepared as possible once it is necessary to return to work.
Consult your Team
When working with your treatment team, it is important that there is awareness of any time constraints due to the FMLA. For example, if an individual has 12 weeks off from work for treatment, it is important to make the most of this time by addressing the highest priority issues associated with bulimia.
It is also helpful to remember that treatment can continue even when work has resumed through Intensive Outpatient Care (IOP) or Outpatient Care. It is possible to continuing work while having time for weekly therapy/nutrition sessions or as needed.
Before preparing to return to work from medical leave, be sure to discuss this transition with your treatment team. Be aware of possible triggers that may be present in your workplace as well as effective coping strategies that can help you work through challenging situations you may encounter.
If you are aware of circumstances at work that may make your recovery difficult, consider discussing alternative options with your employer prior to returning to your job. It is possible to transition to work successfully after taking a medical leave of absence with careful planning and preparation.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What are some suggestions you might share with someone preparing to return to work after a leave of absence?
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 November 19, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
