Going To College With Eating Disorder Recovery

Suhita via Etsy.com

As the summer winds down in Newport Beach the tourists
occupying the beach rentals head home along with our college aged clients who
head back to school. We are excited for them to return to college in the Fall with
new tools they can use in their eating disorder recovery. Today we outline a
few of our favorites:

·
Counseling – Prior to getting back on campus
make sure that you have a counselor/ therapist set-up to see you once a week.
Transitions are difficult for those in eating disorder recovery and a weekly
visit to check-in with a therapist and hash things out is strongly recommended.
If you’re not sure where to find a counselor/therapist call the college and ask
for the number to their mental health counseling services.

·
Housing – Make sure that the housing you choose
best suits your recovery. There is a variety of choices in college : dorms,
sorority housing, off-campus. Make sure that whatever choice you make is the
one that best supports your own recovery.

·
Food – Look into the food options at the
university. Look online at what the cafeteria serves, the local grocery stores,
farmers markets and cafes. Considering the variety of places offered what are
your preferences?

·
Meds – Some pharmacies are different. Some you
can call in and transfer your prescription, others require that you have your
doctor call it in. Whatever the case make sure you take care of this prior to
your departure. The last thing you want is to be without your meds.

·
Friends – Will you be connecting with old
friends on campus? If so, give them a call and let them know you would like to
meet up. If not, look into campus clubs and activities you can be a part of.
Connecting with others keeps us accountable, helps us not to isolate, and keeps
us out of our eating disorder patters.

·
Recovery Meetings – Finding local support
through Overeaters Anonymous or Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous is crucial.
Check online for meeting location and times that work around your class
schedule. Be sure to try out a new meeting three times before you decide on if
it’s for you. Listen to other women sharing their stories and ask someone who “has
you want” to be your sponsor.

·
Connecting back home – Be sure to connect with
the ones that love you back home! Your parents, siblings and treatment team
would love to hear from you! Let us know how we can support you in the exciting
time of life!