Customized Care: You Don’t Have to Be in Treatment to Get Eating Disorder Help
The idea of “going away” to treatment for an eating disorder can be scary. Questions arise, such as “What will happen to my work?” "How will this affect my family?" “What about my finances?” and “What will happen after I'm ‘done?’” These are all reasonable, honest, and even noble concerns. However, when these concerns overtake the most important question of “How long can I go on living with this eating disorder?” these concerns can become more harmful than helpful.
However, there is good news for those individuals that avoid help for eating disorders because they worry about going away for treatment. There are plenty of options that don't require travel to a recovery center or a stay in a treatment facility. Of course, this depends on the severity of the disorder, but for many, the option of outpatient treatment may be the right road to go down.
There are many more options than inpatient care when it comes to treating eating disorders. For example, there are intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) that are, as the name insinuates, more hands-on and rigorously scheduled. Then there are outpatient programs that fall into the more “maintenance” category. These are still very comprehensive and are the right fit for many people. There are also external options that may include 12-Step programs or community support groups. Regardless of the recovery road that is taken, the first step is reaching out.
What Exactly Is an Eating Disorder?
When it comes to public understanding, one aspect of eating disorders is often overlooked. That aspect is the question of what eating disorders are exactly. The problem is that in today's unregulated internet-heavy society, there is a lot of misinformation when it comes to eating disorders. It is first important to get a reliable definition from a respected source.
According to “Eating Disorders” by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “Eating disorders are a group of related conditions that cause serious emotional and physical problems. Each condition involves extreme food and weight issues; however, each has unique symptoms that separate it from the others.” An important takeaway from that description is the "uniqueness” of eating disorders. This further cements the importance of customized care.
Another important aspect of eating disorders is to understand that it has nothing to do with the individual's “willpower." Eating disorders are a disease, not a choice. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has this to say on the matter: “There is a commonly held misconception that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that are associated with severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions.” Ultimately, the individual is not defined by their eating disorder; they are affected by it.
Not All Eating Disorders Are the Same
Just as no individual is the same, no one's eating disorders are the same. This is true even if they have the same diagnosis because their assessment should be unique to the individual.
Just as no eating disorder is the same, no recovery plan should be the same, either. This is where the various options of care come in. As previously mentioned, for those with severe physical and mental trauma, it is highly recommended that they receive inpatient care as soon as possible.
Let us never forget that eating disorders are deadly diseases. However, for others, their symptoms may not warrant an inpatient level of care. For these individuals, IOPs or maintenance care may be the correct choice. However, this choice should only be made based on the recommendation of a professional. It should also be implemented in a customized way that is going to best address the individual's eating disorder.
The Importance of Customized Care For Treating an Eating Disorder in the Long-Term
There is no “quick-fix,” "one-size-fits-all” approach to treating eating disorders. An approach must be made that addresses not just the diagnosis but also the individual. This includes their backstory, social situation, and emotional and behavioral needs. For many with an eating disorder, all of these needs can be met outside of a stay at a recovery center.
Some of the ways of addressing these needs are through various forms of therapy and psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These needs can also be met through work with a nutritional therapist and by creating an individualized meal plan. Treating eating disorders outside of a facility can also be greatly bolstered by connecting with community support groups that focus on eating disorders.
Yes, the concept of getting help for eating disorders can be frightening. However, it can also be the most important decision a person ever makes. That is why letting the fear of inpatient treatment get in the way is so detrimental. Many options don't even involve inpatient care, but the first step in finding that out is reaching out for help.
Many people hold the misconception that eating disorders must be treated in an inpatient setting. This is simply not true. Many options for eating recovery do not involve an inpatient stay in a recovery center. For example, there are intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) that allow individuals to get the help, therapy, and monitoring they need without checking into a recovery facility. There are also hybrid options that may include partial hospitalization or working with recovery companions and community programs. The first step is reaching out, and be Collaborative Care can help create the customized recovery plan that is right for you. For more information on treatment options for eating recovery, call be Collaborative Care today at (401) 262-0842.
