Topic Tuesday // Body Image and Eating Disorders // Tues 28th September, 7:00-8:30PM AEST

Question 4: @SarahBee What have been some of the challenges for you in living with an eating disorder and other mental health concerns?

I hope so @frog ! As the days get warmer and restrictions ease, perhaps that'll help us to get out.

I can totally understand the stocking up. Knowing all too well that recently supermarket shelves were empty due to COVID lockdowns, I think many people have 'stocked up'. Unfortunately, the food that is usually stockable is often more processed than the perishable fresh fruits, veges and meat.

I find going to the shops every 2 or 3 days really challenging. Hence, I often stock up on the less healthy options.

What have been some of the challenges for you in living with an eating disorder and other mental health concerns?

I found it difficult to get an eating disorder diagnosis as it was often dismissed as a symptom of my anxiety or depression (eg. I’m eating more because I am depressed, or negative body image because the depression is causing lower self-esteem).

Dealing with weight gain as a result of taking mental health medication. Most medications I have been on have weight gain as a side effect which has impacted the way I have felt about my body at times. Also dealing with feelings of anger and resentment that I have to take medication for my brain which results in body changes has been difficult. It has taken a lot of work to find acceptance of my body regardless of its size and acceptance that myweight is likely to fluctuate throughout life. Although it hasn’t happened to me, I know some medications can decrease appetite which can also be a challenge to manage with an eating disorder.

Has anyone else found any challenges of living with an eating disorder and other mental health concerns?

@frog The disruption to routine, especially our self care routines, can definitely affect our sense of self and ability to cope! It's completely understandable that you've experienced increased worry during this time. Being outside is a great way to clear my head too, I hope you're able to fit those walks in

@BPDSurvivor that's so heartbreaking re: comments about people's weights. It can do a lot of damage to a person's self esteem and body image

@DaisydreamerMy support comes almost entirely from my Psychologist because she's the only person I have opened up to about my issues with body image, weight and food restrictions.

Yes I find anti dep meds make you put on weight for me. Also going through menopause doesn't help.
Think for me the bingeing is a control thing. I feel totally in control and fantastic. But once I stop it's a very very negative self talk. Terrible. And then I start bingeing again. Vicious cycle.
@SarahBee