As anyone in recovery from anorexia, bulimia or compulsive eating will know, the battle to reach and maintain your recovery is extremely intense. It take an enormous amount of effort to fight a disorder and support along the way is crucial.
Celebrate Anorexia Recovery with Eating Disorder Pro-Recovery Gifts - Get Lost, Ed!
A few months ago, I was looking for a new therapy journal to record Cognitive Analytical Therapy sessions and how my recovery is coming along. After a while, I stumbled across Thom Rutledge's site which had journals with "Get Lost, Ed!" inscribed on the cover. Now, every time I pick up my journal, I am reminded why making the effort to write emotions and feelings down, rather than turn them into reasons not to eat, is so important to remaining well.
Other eating disorder pro-recovery gifts, featured on Thom's site, included the following:
- Get Lost, Ed! mugs
- Get Lost, Ed! greetings cards - ideal for encouraging friends from treatment, group etc...
- Get Lost, Ed! clothing - t-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys
- Life Without Ed journals
- Life Without Ed badges
- Life Without Ed fridge magnets
- Life Without Ed water bottles
- Life Without Ed hoodies
Eating Disorders and Perfectionism - Christmas Gift Ideas for Perfectionists
It is very well-known that a common trait among eating disorder sufferers is perfectionism, making it helpful to remind yourself that recovery from perfectionism is important in beating your eating disorder. A few gift ideas for those struggling with perfectionism, includes as follows:
- Recovering Perfectionist badges
- I am a recovering perfectionist postcards
- Radically Imperfect mugs
Separating Yourself from the Eating Disorder - I'm not ED gifts
A large part of getting better involves learning to be able to separate yourself from the eating disorder, which is eloquently covered throughout Jenni Schaefer's incredibly helpful book, called 'Goodbye Ed, Hello Me." Recovery requires the eating disorder sufferer to separate herself from the illness, which is not as easy as it sounds, due to the fact that the condition becomes extremely powerful, especially when it has been present for any length of time.
According to psychotherapist, Thom Rutledge, the 'I'm not ED' range of clothing and gifts, such as mugs, recovery boxes and messenger bags is to affirm your separation from your eating disorder and celebrate recovery. These items are good quality and a great way to help reduce stigma that surrounds mental health problems.
As highlighted above, eating disorder recovery requires much support, encouragement, determination and motivation. There are a range of 'Get Lost. Ed!' items which I have found helpful in strengthening and celebrating my own recovery; I hope the above gift suggestions will be useful in reminding you why it is worth the battle.
Sources:
Schaefer, J. (2004) Life Without Ed New York: McGraw Hill
Thom's Nutshell Wisdom
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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