Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, are typically very challenging conditions to overcome, with sufferers often requiring intensive care and support. In addition to mainstream approaches to treatment, self-help books and workbooks are a practical means of working on recovery at home.
Key Benefits of Eating Disorder Books
Eating disorder books on recovery and self-help approaches are particularly helpful when the illness is detected early and in cases where more intensive treatment is not necessary. Waiting lists for therapy, inpatient, outpatient, daypatient and residential eating disorder clinics are usually lengthy, making it useful to get started in preparation for treatment. Workbooks which specialise in anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder provide an excellent opportunity for sufferers to begin thinking about the reasons behind their condition and put steps in place for getting better.
There are also plenty of practical self-help books and study guides available for all different types of eating disorders using therapy principles. It is well worth investing in books which teach on dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) skills, such as mindfulness and distress tolerance, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy tools and techniques.
Books for Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder Recovery
It is important to point out that as with any health subject, there is a huge difference between a helpful book on eating disorder recovery and one that is dangerously triggering. The best thing to do is to stick to books which are not personal memoirs in the early days of recovery. Eating disorder organisations and charities, therapists and counsellors may also recommend useful reading material. Here are some examples of books which I have personally read and believe are helpful:
- 100 Questions & Answers About Eating Disorders
- 100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa
- Give Food a Chance
- Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa
- Overcoming Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder
- Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e)
- The Eating Disorder Sourcebook
- Recovery From Eating Disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa: A Survival Guide
- The Invisible Man
- Recovery From Bulimia Nervosa
- Beating Your Eating Disorder
Best Self-Help Books for Self-Harm, Depression, Anxiety
There are a wide range of self-help books available for coping with health problems which commonly affect those suffering from eating disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, self-harm, depression and anxiety. Here are some examples of books on these themes:
- Change Your Life with CBT
- Anxiety Free – Unravel Your Fears
- Bodily Harm
- Healing for Self-Harm
- Beating Stress, Anxiety & Depression
- Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- How Not to Worry
- Curse of the Strong
- Master Your Mind
- Brilliant CBT
- CBT for Beginners
- Relaxation & Stress Reduction workbook
- Teach Yourself CBT
As highlighted above, self-help books are a useful way to focus on recovery from an eating disorder at home. Whether young or old, newly diagnosed or a chronic sufferer of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or EDNOS, there are a wide range of excellent materials available. There are also plenty of eating disorder books specifically aimed at parents and carers of sufferers.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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