Finding Eating Disorder Support Groups
For those suffering from an eating disorder, one of the best ways to
stay on the recovery track is by taking part in an eating disorder support
group. Support groups are an excellent resource from anyone whose life
has been affected by an eating disorder. Eating disorders put in touch
people who may have been suffering in silence. Creating a strong sense
of community can often be crucial to successful recovery. Support groups
act as powerful tools of recovery for eating disorder victims and their
families. If you are interested in joining a support group, here are some
ideas and resources for finding a support group near you.
First, here is a short list of some of the most well known resources for
finding an eating disorder near you. Many of these organizations maintain
websites and online databases that allow you to check resources and locations
that are near you. Perhaps the most recognized resource for eating disorder
patients, health professionals, and many others is the National Eating Disorders
Association (NEDA). The NEDA operates in the United States and Canada; their
website lists several resources around North America, including support groups
around the country. Another good resource is the Eating Disorder Referral
and Information Center. They operate in the United States, and are a wonderful
and informative resource for eating disorder patients and health professionals.
For individuals suffering from bulimia or binge eating disorder, Overeaters
Anonymous (OA) is an organization that reaches out to those who suffer from
these eating disorders. They are active in the USA and Canada. There are
also several Internet based eating disorder organizations that can provide
you with relevant information regarding treatment options and support groups.
Some of these Internet resources include Something Fishy Treatment Finder
and Pale Reflections Eating Disorder Community Treatment Finder. You can
do a simple web search to find these active sites online. There are also
active online chat rooms that can serve as a lifeline for eating disorder
patients. These include Something Fishy community boards and Anorexia Nervosa
and Associated Disorders (ANAD). Simply read the community board guidelines,
register a username and password, and proceed to the chat rooms or bulletin
boards.
There are also several local options that may be available in your
area. To find local eating disorder support networks, contact your local
clinic or speak to a local eating disorder professional. They will be
able to refer you to resources in your area. You can also check with
your family doctor, your local hospital or medical center to find eating
disorder support groups. If there is a local college or university in
your area, contact the counseling center to find an eating disorder support
group or any other resources that may be available. There are also several
eating disorder telephone help lines that can prove to be invaluable
resources for locating local eating disorder support groups.
Many people are not aware that there are also support groups form family
members of individuals with eating disorders. To find one of these, check
with your local medical center, or one of the major eating disorder resource
organizations that was previously mentioned.
>> Five Ways Parents Can Prevent Eating Disorders >>
