ED Ed rules?

[Healing Reins]

This is kind of random.

But in order for me to stay out of treatment I need to stop purging and get my electrolytes up by the 10th of june. My mentor and I came up with some rules, but I was wondering if any of you guys had any ideas on ED rules....here's what we have so far...if any of you have worked in a treatment center where you had these types of rules your input would be mucho appreciated!

¡gracias!


Rules
---------
Rule
-90 seconds in bathroom
-telling parents
-45 minutes after after I eat
-need to eat all my food
-breath check
-Drink two gatorades through the night (for my electrolytes)

 

[StarChild]

Hi Healing Reins, I already wanted to ask you, when I read the term "Ed Rules" before in another thread of yours. Could you please tell me, what it means? Thank you in advance.

 

[Healing Reins]

ED stands for Eating disorder..

so basically they are rules that I have to follow to prevent me from purging.

 

[Fadeaway]

I am far from an expert on this. I never dealt with this personally, but I would assume eating small frequent meals instead of larger meals 3 times a day would be more beneficial. It would give you a more constant source of nutrients and keep you from feeling overly full.

I would research all the problems that come along with nutrient deficiencies. Nutrient deficiencies can cause a whole host of mental and emotional problems, and exacerbate PTSD symptoms. They can cause unexplained anxiety. There are also some very frighting ones as a well.

While I don't suffer from and ED I do have a medical condition that keeps me from being able to absorb nutrients as well as the average person. Sometimes it is hard to separate the effects of nutrient deficiencies from depression and anxiety related to the PTSD.

 

[Justmehere]

If the plan is to keep you from purging, I would add something that builds a positive coping skill. Like perhaps having to keep a log of using 1-3 positive coping skills. Like just a journal, like today I used deep breathing. And the next day maybe you used distraction. I did this myself. I had a list of 10 coping skills I could use and every day I checked off which ones I used and the goal was to use 3, any 3, every day. It really reduced my use of bad coping skills a lot.

I would also consider a positive reward if you stick to the plan. My old trauma CBT therapist said negative consequences help make short term behavioral changes, but positive reinforcements is what really helps a behavioral change to stick. I'm not sure what that could be for you.

 

[xena21]

I was wondering if any of you guys had any ideas on ED rules

I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. My problem isn't purging. I understand your difficulty with an eating disorder though. I deal with the failure of not taking in enough food.

They are definitely different but are still eating disorders. Its a hard addiction to change. My therapist asks me all the time whether I ate this or that and it becomes so old. She knows I haven't changed. I know I should change, but the depth of the problem is so deep that most people don't understand.

I'ce been dealing with this since I was a kid. Maybe you as well? Its hard when there are under lying circumstances involved as well. I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. Just know that I am cheering for you and know the battle you face. Keep your head up.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I think that is awesome that you are working on this and creating a plan. I know I am SO much likelier to follow through with something when I have a plan. (Sort of like with my emotional flashbacks---that's why I gave you the link on chat the other night, so you could make a plan for flashbacks, too.) I don't know much about your particular eating disorder, as mine was primarily binging so my "rules" are a bit different. But, I think that you are taking an important step by making a plan. I agree that you should also have some sort of positive reward that is NOT food related. Maybe buy yourself something special or go somewhere you've been wanting to go or something like that. I KNOW you can do this!

 

[Healing Reins]

I need some ideas for positive reinforcement...

 

[Justmehere]

What do you like to do for fun?

Some ideas...
being able to go to your graduation
a little later curfew? More privileges being restored?
Going to go see a movie? A trip?

 

[ghotiff]

Daily reward ideas......
- sticker chart (and add a sticker each day). Less of a 'reward' but very positive encouragement to see yourself being successful
- a new ball of wool for a knitting project, or pen or something else that is crafty
- bubble bath
- a token (or amount of money) each day, and at the end of the week buy something that is not sensible with that money
?