Get The Help You Need: How To Ensure Proper Treatment For An Eating Disorder

If you're struggling with an eating disorder, you're not alone. Studies show that roughly 28 million Americans will struggle with an eating disorder at some time in their lives. Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut way to determine who will be diagnosed with an eating disorder. However, if you are dealing with an eating disorder, help is available. Here are four steps you should take if you're struggling to overcome an eating disorder. 

Find a Treatment That Works for You

If you've been diagnosed with an eating disorder, don't hesitate to get involved in an eating disorder treatment program as soon as possible. Treatment plans provide the chances for a successful recovery from an eating disorder. However, you need to find a treatment plan that works best for you. To do that, you should include members of your healthcare team in your decision-making. Your healthcare team can provide you with information regarding the options that are available to you. From there, they can help you choose the treatment that's the best fit for you. 

Give Yourself Enough Time To Heal

If you're struggling to overcome an eating disorder, you might want to see immediate results. However, results don't always come as quickly as you'd like. That doesn't mean you should beat yourself up, or give up. Instead, give yourself time to heal. Allow yourself to work through the process at your own pace, even if the pace is slower than you expected. 

Be Open With Friends and Family

If you've decided to seek treatment for your eating disorder, don't be afraid to sit down with your friends and family. Treatment for an eating disorder isn't something that you can do on your own. You're going to need your friends and family to become your support system. In fact, as part of your treatment, you may need to sit down for some family counseling sessions. Your family and friends need to know what they can do to help you through your treatment. 

Don't Overlook Your Needs

If you like to put the needs of others ahead of your own, it might be time to make some changes. During treatment for an eating disorder, take the time to focus on your own needs, rather than on the needs of others. This is especially important where your recovery is concerned. Focusing on your own needs will allow you to participate in your treatment program more effectively.