Structure is key to staying body healthy
A Co Wexford based eating disorder specialist is advising people who are struggling with weight issues during the Covid-19 lockdown to put a structure on their food in-take and go easy on themselves.
Michelle, who has recovered from an eating disorder and has over 13 years experience working in the area of eating disorders in a holistic setting, said: ‘The coronavirus is understandably causing a lot of stress and anxiety at this moment and if you are experiencing an eating disorder this will be heightened even more due to the lack of structure and control. Living with an eating disorder is full of fear and panic and individuals with eating disorders may be at a high risk of relapsing due to self-isolation or quarantine.’
With gyms been closed and a limit to 2km radius, this can increase the fear and panic of weight gain which can bring on dietary restriction or purging, she said.
‘Bulk buying of food in the pandemic can lead to a trigger to overeat and binge on food that may not have been normally in the home. It’s important to note that eating disorders thrive in isolation; this can create yet another obstacle for an individual to overcome at this time such as avoidance of social eating and body exposure, which in recovery leads to improved interpersonal skills.’
She said a common feature with eating disorder clients is the overvaluation of shape and weight. ‘Isolation prevents a person facing these important factors, which can drive them more into the eating disorder. Another factor to take into account is that eating disorder may have coexisting mental health conditions (co-morbidities) such as depression, OCD, anxiety disorders and substance abuse. The pandemic may highlight the comorbid condition and this may lead to an increased negative impact on the eating disorder mindset.’
Michelle, who is a member of the National Centre for Eating Disorders in the UK and Academy for Eating Disorders, said structure is very important.
‘Keep a structure for your food/meal plan. Have three main meals and three snacks a day. Stay in touch with your treatment team at this time. A lot of therapists have moved online. Reach out and see if this is available for you. Read over your therapy and recovery notes. Use Covid-19 as a chance to challenge yourself around food and your recovery goals. Avoid some of social media if it is a trigger for you. I can honestly say at this time it will be a trigger for anyone going through an eating disorder. Our news feeds are being constantly fed with diet culture and fitness memes.’
Michelle advises people to look at their compulsive exercise mentality. ‘Doing nothing can be a trigger that leads to feelings of being lazy. Bring in awareness of distorted thinking around the eating disorder mindset. It’s Ok to rest, to do nothing and eat. It is very important not to restrict food when you are self-isolating. Your body and brain still need good nourishment to sustain its daily function. Give yourself permission to have downtime at this time. We may be self-isolating but we are not alone. Reach out to family, friends and colleagues for support.’
Michelle offers therapy for those struggling with food, body image and weight issues, including anorexia, bulimia, disordered eating, obesity and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).
She has a unique insight into eating disorders, having first-hand experience, and her own journey brought her on the passionate road to helping others. See www.michelleogorman.com, email: Info@ michelleogorman.com or call 086 0205172.