As humans, we learn from others, lean on others, and rely on others to give us hope in times of need. We have a universal need to share and hear each other’s stories, whether for mere entertainment or for a deeper benefit.
When it comes to recovering from an eating disorder, hearing stories from others who have been through similarly trying times can be the difference between lasting recovery and potential relapse.
Why Stories Matter
Both telling and hearing stories can be beneficial when recovering from an eating disorder. Personal storytelling helps to build community, strengthen resilience, and most importantly, offers hope for those in recovery and their support systems.
Personal stories also help to foster understanding in support systems (e.g., family members), friends, and clinicians who treat eating disorders.
Healing in Telling Your Story
While it may seem daunting at first to share your story with others, it may be helpful to know that many find it extremely helpful and therapeutic to put their experiences into words. Whether you choose to share your story with others or not, the act of simply writing it down can help you process trauma and benefit your own journey.
Reducing Stigma and Helping Others
Sharing your stories with others can make a huge difference in someone’s healing journey. Many people may not realize that countless others share their struggles and emotions. Knowing that you’re not alone can make recovery much easier, as it gives you hope by seeing others thrive after facing similar challenges.
Sharing your story also helps to dismantle the shame and stigma that surrounds eating disorders, as well as clears up many misconceptions that people have about this type of mental illness.
Tips for Sharing and Honoring Stories Safely
There are several important considerations to keep in mind when sharing your story with others who may be experiencing shame and vulnerability. You want to make sure that you protect yourself as well as others.
Set Boundaries:
Don’t share anything that you don’t feel completely comfortable with. Some platforms will allow you to share things anonymously, which may be a good option if you want to share your honest story but are nervous about having your name attached.
Seek Support Yourself:
After sharing your story, you may find that certain feelings arise in you that make you feel triggered, emotional, or uncomfortable. Others may also approach you differently after they learn about your journey. Make sure you have your own support network in place should you find yourself triggered or start having a rough time in your recovery.
Avoid Triggering Details:
Remember that many stories may cause others to feel triggered. As much as possible, try to avoid triggering details in your story or, at the very least, give a warning before you get into the nitty-gritty details. For some, as much honest information is the most helpful for them, but for others, it could be too close to home and cause them to relapse.
As a reader or listener to someone else’s story, it’s important to really listen without judgment and to respond compassionately. Understand that sharing these intimate details with others can be extremely difficult. If you react negatively, it may cause them to shut off completely, which would not be beneficial for their recovery.
Where to Share Stories
Stories can be shared in any number of ways:
In Person:
While sharing your story face-to-face can be extremely nerve-wracking, it can sometimes be the most therapeutic. This could be with a family member, someone else who has disordered eating habits, or even your therapist.
Support Groups:
Some people may find sharing their stories in a support group is the easiest, because you’re surrounded by others who are most likely to have the most empathy for your situation.
Online Forums:
Online forums provide a platform to share your story with others anonymously, allowing you to do so at any time from the comfort of your own home. One thing to remember about online forums, however, is that you may receive feedback or comments from people that may be triggering or upsetting.
Online:
Some organizations are open to sharing personal stories on their websites as a way to help others in their journeys (e.g., EatingDisorderHope.com)
Whether you choose to share your story with others or just want to write it down in a journal, know that thinking about your journey so far can have an extremely positive and healing effect.
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