1. Restore a Healthy Body Image
Seek counseling or psychotherapy to address distorted body image and issues such as depression and anxiety. During treatment you'll identify triggers and learn how to cope with them in healthier ways. During the early stages of treatment, it's important to visit your therapist several times a week. Patients tend to relapse early in recovery. Patients may develop cross addictions during early treatment, which is why it's so important to maintain frequent professional contact for at least the first few weeks.
2. Talk to Your Peers
Find an anorexia support group in your area. 12-step therapy programs such as "Overeaters Anonymous" have helped countless people deal with their food issues. If you're a student, your school should provide you with a list of resources for support and healing. Your family doctor should be able to refer you to a support group. You can also call the National Eating Disorders Association at (800) 931-2237 for a free referral.
3. Explore Your Options in Inpatient Treatment
Check into a rehabilitation facility for inpatient treatment. Most insurance policies cover up to 3 weeks of treatment for anorexia and other eating disorders. Inpatient centers provide patients with supervised eating schedules, regular support sessions and valuable peer interaction. Many patients develop long-term support networks with people they meet in rehab.
4. Develop a Healthy Eating Plan
Consult with your doctor to create a healthy eating plan. Before addressing the emotional and psychological issues surrounding your eating disorder, you need to get your body back up to speed. Organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart and skin may be damaged due to prolonged malnutrition. You may need to follow a liquid diet in order to consume enough daily calories to start gaining back the weight you've lost.
