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Traveling in Bulimia Recovery: How to Cope with Possible Triggers
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Traveling, either when necessary for work, school, or career, or when done recreationally or as a hobby, can present with many more challenges for the person who is in recovery from bulimia nervosa.
Because bulimia presents with many severe consequences if left untreated, it is best to postpone traveling until absolutely necessary or until a person is stable enough, medically, psychologically, and emotionally.
When traveling is necessary while an individual is in recovery from bulimia, it is essential to understand the possible triggers that may arise in order to successfully plan ahead. Depending on where a person is traveling, how long they will be away from their home environment, and the types of activities they may be involved in, various obstacles may arise.
Obstacles
For example, an individual in recovery who needs to travel for greater periods of time will have less of an opportunity to stay connected to their treatment team or to the support that helps keep them accountable.
Other challenges faced while traveling may include disruptions in basic eating and sleeping routines that are foundational to successful recovery from bulimia. While on the road or traveling, it can be difficult to get in the necessary food needed in recovery or to get adequate rest and sleep.
Lack of adequate nutrition and rest can be triggering to a person who is in recovery from bulimia and lead to a relapse in behaviors. The stress that comes along with traveling in itself can also be triggering, causing anxiety that leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
If you are in recovery from bulimia and have plans for traveling, be sure to work closely with your treatment team and support group to prepare for the potential triggers that you may face. You can travel successfully with adequate planning and preparation.
Having appropriate coping skills, anticipating triggers, and planning ahead can all be helpful in maintaining your recovery, even with traveling. Keeping your recovery a priority in every season your life brings can help ensure that you stay well to truly thrive in each opportunity that you are given.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What do you think are some of the unique challenges that come along with traveling? How can an individual in recovery from bulimia work through the challenges that may come with traveling?
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 17, 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.
