Thread. 1) Today marks World Eating Disorders Day 2020 @WorldEDday & we’re highlighting four key challenges affecting people with eating disorders in recent months. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory #showusyourpurple
2) Firstly, the #COVID19 pandemic has impacted & intensified people's thoughts, & feelings and ultimately their lived experience of eating disorders. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory
3) What does this look like? Feeling that things are out of control, chaotic & increased stress & anxiety without routines to cope. Feeling trapped & suffocated as the eating disorder feels life consuming. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
4) More eating disorders thoughts make it harder to focus on other things. Perfectionist, black and white thinking – particularly when worrying about supports, has increased. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
5) Physical changes bring about feelings of disgust and upset. People have also mentioned tiredness from trying to process what’s happening, low energy. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
6) Sometimes there’s a sense an eating disorder is the *only* coping mechanism available & it has dual roles - best friend and worst enemy. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
7) The second issue people have told us about has been communication challenges arising from #COVID19, whether that's from being at home, talking to family or a partner. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
8) This can involve having to educate someone if they’ve no knowledge of eating disorders/mental health or not feeling able to explain things & trying to rationalise/explain what’s in your head to others. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
9) Dealing with the stress of speaking up because others perceive you are recovered/in recovery/’strong’ is also difficult. This adds to the isolation. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
10) There is worry about disappointing others, not wishing to burden them, but also a sense of being treated as different. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
11) Some people have described thoughtlessness from others even though they know about a person’s eating disorder. This has a bearing whether they are receptive to explanations & communication #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
12) Further to this, there can be an assumption that people should resolve their own problems. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
13) There’s a fear of not being believed as having an eating disorder & worry about being perceived that what’s happening is ‘just being healthy’ #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
14) Some people have talked about being watched by others & that they’ll be put in bubble wrap. A fear of loss of independence following disclosure is a concern too. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
15) Thirdly, #COVID19 has affected people's thinking & and experience of recovery & relapse. Past thoughts have resurfaced, a sense the eating disorder has re-emerged. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
16) This brings up feelings of punishment, letting yourself down. There is uncertainty about being ready to recover & fear about having to restart recovery. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
17) Some people have reported a sense that nothing can be done to help the eating disorder & not knowing how to restart the eating process. Eating food brings both guilt and enjoyment. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
18) Regular eating brings energy & strength to the non-eating disorder (ED) side of the person, but the ED isn’t happy about this. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
19) A positive people have remarked on is trying to think about wanting to live life without an eating disorder & the sense of freedom which can come from that. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
20) The fourth key theme is the environment which has become more stressful. This is a mixture of factors, such as diet talk/fitness routines on social media, casual food or weight talk from others. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
21) Not having a role in food preparation, others creating large meals & work stress due to colleagues/manager commenting on food, are issues too. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
22) The current focus on food/food talk can heighten someone’s awareness of their illness & the sense of isolation from those around them. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
23) People have also highlighted pressure to be better and have a plan – in reality, they are just trying to manage day-to-day. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
24) To conclude, this is an overview of what people have described on our services since #COVID19. It, as always, is our privilege to offer support and listen. #WeDoAct #ShareYourStory @WorldEDday
