I am in recovery from an eating disorder. It has been a journey filled with many challenges and many rewards. One of the most important lessons I have learned from my struggle is that self-compassion is a critical tool in coping with life, relationships, and health. Individuals experiencing eating disorders often battle perfectionism, people-pleasing, and … Read More
By Megan Cooper, MSW, LCSWA As our nation continues to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, we are all being called upon to adapt and change. It’s a disorienting time, to say the least. I invite you to look at my checklist below for tips on how to remain calm and productive. VALIDATE YOURSELF The … Read More
My smartwatch keeps telling me my heart rate is elevated these days. It also keeps alerting me about a new headline regarding COVID-19, inclement weather, or some other less-than-pleasant event. It feels inevitable that certain elements of our new reality will affect my stress level. Here are nine helpful ways I’m managing my stress these … Read More
For many people, the holiday season is a source of great joy. It often provides a time for socializing, celebration, and reunion, and instills happiness. Often for those who have eating disorders, this can be a particularly stressful and dreaded time of year. The following are suggestions from your loved ones and clinical professionals as … Read More
Dialectical behavior therapy (or DBT) skills are a cornerstone component of clinical programming at Carolina House. We teach DBT skills at each level of care, and clients, staff, family, and friends all practice them. Many DBT techniques incorporate easy-to-remember acronyms. The Carolina House clinical team compiled a list of DBT refreshers as we move away … Read More
By Hannah Waspi, M.S., RD, LDN, and Erin Seymour, M.S., RD, LDN Returning to school can be fun and exciting. It can also bring potential challenges to your recovery from an eating disorder. First things first: Make sure you have set up appointments with your treatment team as they’ll help ease the transition back into your school schedule. Second, you might consider potential barriers that could keep you … Read More
When someone you love is battling an eating disorder, the effects of the disorder can have an impact on everyone in the family. It can be hard to know how to support someone who is going through treatment for an eating disorder, because these illnesses are often misunderstood and are still highly stigmatized. But you … Read More
Hi, All! Stephanie F. here (there are two of us, you know) to talk with you a bit about alcohol use and eating disorders. While many people think of Spring Break, New Year’s Eve, and football games when they think of alcohol consumption, more than 50% of individuals who struggle with eating disorders also abuse … Read More
We recently celebrated National Stress Awareness Day (as if we all weren’t already aware of our stress!). Seriously, though, it is important to shine a light on the increasing amount of stress that plagues many of us on a regular basis. In addition to the conflicts that can come up when we’re fighting an eating … Read More
Although this is an essay, allow me to start as I do in all my presentations, by listing my privileges: I am a white, straight, cisgender, allosexual, mostly able-bodied, mostly neurotypical, financially stable, well-educated person. These are all things that have made it much more possible for me to be where I am in life … Read More
