Even if you have done the work to recover from your eating disorder, that doesn’t mean that you won’t still experience eating disorder triggers. To those in recovery, it can feel like eating disorder triggers are all around. For some, there are specific times of the year that are especially triggering, such as holidays or the summer. At Virtue Recovery Las Vegas – Eating Disorders, we help our clients deal with eating disorder triggers, even after treatment.
We are prepared to give you the tools and resources to help cope with the inevitability of triggers. To learn more about dealing with eating disorder triggers, reach out to us today at 866.984.3819. Our aftercare program for eating disorders is here to help you find relief and peace of mind.
Eating Disorder Triggers
Triggers can look different for everybody. Feeling triggered means being affected by a stimulus that incites an intense, uncomfortable, upsetting emotion. Triggers come in many different forms, such as:
- Social triggers
- Situational triggers
- Environmental triggers
- Psychological triggers
- Physiological triggers
Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or upset can trigger an eating disorder. When somebody experiences eating disorder triggers, they often react by reverting back to previous unhealthy eating habits as their method of coping with eating disorder triggers. Eating disorders are often characterized by irrational ideas around punishments and rewards in regard to eating. In recovery, people are taught that there are more effective and healthy reactions that can be achieved when coping with eating disorder triggers.
Dealing with Eating Disorder Triggers
Depending on your eating disorder and the severity of your triggers, you may be encouraged to deal with your eating disorder triggers in several different ways. How you cope might not be the same as the person next to you. However, there are various steps that you should consider when coping with eating disorder triggers.
Identify Your Triggers
The first step in overcoming your triggers is to become aware. By knowing what events, people, and situations might trigger negative emotions, you are able to put yourself one step ahead of your eating disorder. It’s best to know what triggers eating disorders, especially for your individual self. Some common triggers for those recovering from eating disorders include (but are not limited to):
- Stepping on the scale
- Clothes or grocery shopping
- Specific numbers regarding weight, size, or food intake
- Being surrounded by food
- Conversations about diet or weight loss
- Boredom, loneliness, stress
Interrupt the Connection Between a Trigger and Negative Behavior
When somebody reacts to a trigger with disordered eating thoughts, it is instinctual and involuntary. However, it’s something that can be interrupted or delayed. When faced with an urge to return to old habits, try to push off the desire to immediately give in. By doing this, you can create a space that exists between the trigger and disordered behavior.
Find Behaviors
Eating disorder urges can feel all-encompassing and difficult to resist. Instead of responding with negative and threatening feelings, try to replace them with feelings of self-compassion and gentleness. Alternative behaviors can look different for everybody but can range from journaling to practicing yoga.
Call Virtue Recovery Las Vegas – Eating Disorders Today
Triggers are an unfortunate yet inevitable part of eating disorder recovery. But, like your eating disorder, they do not have to control your life. Virtue Recovery Las Vegas – Eating Disorders is committed to helping. Contact us at 866.984.3819 today to learn how we can help you cope with eating disorder triggers. With our support, you can find the strength to move forward and continue your recovery journey.
