Help for myself
Is food dominating your thoughts and dictating how you live? Are you worried about your eating behaviours? We can help you.
We know that life can be difficult sometimes. We all have things to face that feel very challenging. We try to find ways to cope, and for some of us, that might mean a change in our eating behaviour. If that has happened to you, and you are worried about it, don’t panic. There is always hope, and we have seen many people recover fully from eating disorders.
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Yes, yes and yes! We believe it and have seen it. There is always hope.
On the tastelife course you will hear stories from many people who have walked out of their eating behaviour step by step. -
Being fully engaged with life – tasting life again
Normal eating patterns
Liking and loving yourself
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It takes patience. It’s about progress and learning some new ways of being.
Admit there is a problem and make the decision to change, one step at a time. Only you can do this.
Accept you are unlikely to recover on your own, and then find support. Get help from your GP – CBT or anti-depressants may help, and blood tests to check you are not at immediate risk.
Find some one-to-one time – counselling, a trusted person, and support from family and friends.
If you have a faith, use the services on offer.
Understand and come to terms with the past, as much as possible.
Challenge your thoughts and beliefs, because some of them will not be true.
Choose life – get involved again. Do things you love doing, that make you feel alive and happy.
Revive old friendships and make new ones.
It is possible to break free. Others have.
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Eating disorders happen to the nicest people. They begin as a coping technique and defence mechanism for something difficult in life - and are not actually about food.
The person struggling may be feeling extremely miserable and love and support is crucial. It will not be easy but your continued belief in them and for a full recovery will make a huge difference.
Here are some other suggestions:
Be prepared for denial, but emphasise that we all have stuff we struggle with.
Being honest, loving and patient – and unshockable – is very helpful.
Ask them what they would appreciate help with.
Communicate your love, and belief in recovery, in helpful ways.
Unconditional love and acceptance are the keys to helping and supporting someone who is trying to recover.
If you are still worried, share your concerns calmly and ask if you can help.
Be brave. If you are really worried, suggest going to the GP with the person.
Some top tips from others who have recovered
(from our Top Tips for Recovery)
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Identify a friend or family member you can contact at any time, with whom there is total honesty. Let them challenge you and reassure you that they will stand by you anyway.
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Fill your life with good things. This will help to stop you thinking about food all the time. The more you experience, the more you will realise that life is worth living.
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Keep a recovery journal. Write down positive thoughts and why you want to get better. If you have a bad day, try to identify the trigger points and jot these down too.
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Make a smile file. Put a few things in that can help you feel better: like thank you cards, family photos, funny cartoons, treasured emails or texts. Keep it accessible.
Top Tips for Recovery
These insights come from individuals who have experienced various eating disorders and are either well on the road to recovery or fully recovered. Their personal advice offers practical guidance and encouragement for anyone on their own recovery journey, providing hope from those who understand what it takes to heal.
Find your course
Come on a tastelife Community Recovery Course and begin your journey to recovery.
Our podcast
Tune in to our Back to the Table podcast series, where we explore real stories, expert advice, and discussions on eating disorders, recovery, and support. Listen for inspiration, education, encouragement from those who’ve walked the journey, and help from professionals in the field.