You are not alone if you have an eating disorder.Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can affect adolescents.People with the condition may aggressively restrict their diet or exercise to lose weight even if they already have a low body weight.It's important to reach a healthy body weight when treating an eating disorder in adolescents.You need to build a support system for yourself as you recover.Your doctor will treat any problems you are having.
Step 1: It's best for teens.
It's important for the entire family to work together to support recovery.Parents need to know how to support their child's recovery.It is important for parents of children with an eating disorder to build their child's self worth.For example, celebrate your child's talent for drawing or sense of humor.Parents who are involved in their child's treatment are more likely to recover.There is a therapist that has experience working with people with eating disorders.
Step 2: Do not use individual cognitive-behavioral therapy to identify causes.
Problematic thoughts and behaviors that may have contributed to your eating disorder can be identified by your therapist.They can help you identify biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that may have contributed to your eating disorder.They will teach you what to do.The therapist will help you view gaining weight more positively, and you'll learn to recognize distorted thoughts that may contribute to an eating disorder.Your therapist can help you see food as fuel for your body.They can help you understand why you restrict yourself.It's possible to find a therapist online.It's important to find a therapist who knows how to work with people with eating disorders.It's important for adolescents to participate in both family and individual therapy.
Step 3: You should work with your therapist to improve your skills.
Although you are worried about your body image, it's not really about dieting.It's connected to your self-esteem and how you deal with stress.You will need to learn how to deal with these issues without your anorexic behaviors.Your therapist will help you figure out ways to cope.Positive self talk can help you through situations.When you feel stressed, you can say, "I'm a smart, talented person who is valuable."You might create a self care box if you feel overwhelmed.It could include essential oils, bath soak, neck pillow, and an inspiring book.It can be used on days when you want to restrict your calories or exercise too much.Don't give up, you may need to try different things to find something that works for you.
Step 4: You should consider going to a treatment center.
In- or out-patient treatment can be provided by treatment centers.While out-patient treatment provides day classes, visits with therapists, and/or group therapy, you may enter a residential program.Decide if you would like a residential facility or just need out-patient treatment when choosing a center.It's important to remember that in-patient care is expensive, so be sure to work with your insurance to find out what is covered.Make sure the facility is accredited.There are reviews about the facility.Family and other supportive people are involved in the facility.Make sure the medical staff has a good background in treating patients with eating disorders and don't have any outstanding complaints against them.Make sure to visit the center and meet the staff.They have after-care options.
Step 5: There is a person who can teach you about healthy eating.
A plan to meet your nutrition needs will be created by your dietitian.They will help you understand the importance of having healthy eating patterns.You should get an eating plan from the dietitian.If you're worried about eating too much, talk to your dietitian.They can help you understand your needs.They are an educated professional.
Step 6: You have to eat at least 3 times a day.
You will probably be recommended to eat more often by your dietitian.You need to stick to a minimum of 3 times a day for recovery.Make sure you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.Follow your eating plan.
Step 7: You should keep a food diary.
Write down everything you eat and how you are feeling.It's a good idea to bring it with you when you visit your therapist or dietitian.Tell us how much you're eating.diary can help you stay on trackEat more of the foods that make you feel better.Track when it's hard to stick to your new eating goals so you can develop a strategy to help you.It might be hard to eat breakfast.You could drink a smoothie throughout the morning if this is the case.
Step 8: Don't weigh yourself more than once a week, with your doctor's approval.
It will be harder for you to recover if you have frequent weigh-ins.You should only weigh if you are meeting your recovery goals.You can either hide the scale or allow someone to keep it.It would be better if you didn't look at the scale when you weigh.Let someone you trust check the weight for you.If you're alone, try not to weigh yourself.You can weigh in front of a member of your treatment team or with a parent.
Step 9: Don't forget to take care of yourself.
Put yourself first during treatment.The focus should be on your health and how you feel.Follow your treatment plan if you're not getting enough sleep.Take a bubble bath, use a scented body lotion, or paint your nails.
Step 10: Get in touch with family and friends.
Ask them to help you stay accountable if you're struggling.Help with your recovery by building a support network.Ask for help when you need it.I have eaten less than my plan recommends because of today's stress.Ask your friends not to talk about weight loss.I'm trying to reach a healthy weight.Is it possible that you guys don't talk about diet around me?
Step 11: Join a support group.
Sharing your experiences can help you recover.They will be able to help you understand what you're going through.Make sure the group you choose is overseen by a professional, who can make sure your conversations don't compromise your recovery.Ask your therapist to recommend a group that meets in your area, or reach out to local mental health providers to inquire about support groups.
Step 12: In addition to hobbies, engage in creative outlets.
It is possible to work through your feelings and build your self-esteem by expressing yourself.They can help you as you recover from an eating disorder.Drawing Painting Knitting Crocheting Yoga Coloring Singing Playing an instrument Writing Taking photos are some of the great options.
Step 13: If you have to, ask your doctor about an anti-depressant.
Depression and worry can lead to an eating disorder.If one is right for you, it will be determined by your doctor and therapist.An antidepressants is not right for all patients.The medication should be taken as directed.There are side effects of antidepressants.Depression, suicidal thoughts, dry mouth, blurred vision, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and increased appetite are some of the common side effects.
Step 14: Anemia can be treated.
Anemia can be caused by low iron levels.It can make you feel weak and short of breath.You may be pale as well.If you restrict your diet too much, you can't eat enough iron, which leads to anemia.Iron supplements may be prescribed by your doctor.You can eat iron-rich foods, like beef, eggs, tuna, shrimp, beans, lentils, tofu, and brown rice.
Step 15: You should get your heart checked.
Maintaining a low body weight can damage your heart.You might experience symptoms like low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.Your doctor can perform painless tests, such as an electrocardiogram or a stress test, to make sure that your heart is healthy.If you have an irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication.They can recommend lifestyle changes, such as reaching a healthy weight.
Step 16: If you have any of the above, talk to your doctor.
If you've restricted your food for a long time, you will probably feel a bit uncomfortable when you return to eating normally.This will leave!Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms.They may be able to prescribe drugs.If you've used laxatives in the past to lose weight, don't take them without your doctor's approval.If you use them wrong, they can damage your bicyle.You may need to eat a few small meals.You may want to limit the amount of fiber.
Step 17: If your doctor approves, you can take calcium and vitamin D.
A daily supplement can help you meet your needs.Before taking any supplements, talk to your doctor.
Step 18: If you're a female, you should tell your doctor if your period has stopped.
You can stop having a period if you eat too little.Your period should come back once you start eating.A birth control pill can increase hormones in your body.Your doctor can make sure that your menstrual cycle is back to normal.
Step 19: The dentist can check your teeth.
If you've used purge to limit calories, this is important.If you restrict your food, you may not have enough to stay healthy.There is a website where you can find a dentist.
Step 20: It is only used as a last resort.
It's not likely that you will go to the hospital.When a doctor determines that a patient needs immediate treatment for a problem such as an irregular heartbeat, most patients are hospitalized.If you go to the hospital, your doctors and parents will make sure you get the care you need to feel better and go home.Unless the doctor determines that the patient is medically or psychologically at risk, they won't be hospitalized.If you refuse to eat or have a medical problem related to your eating disorder, you may be admitted.