Seek Support - Disordered eating is a difficult and complex issue. Generally, seeking outside support and/or treatment is helpful to the process of moving beyond disordered eating, thinking and behaviour. Treatment can come in many forms and it is important that you seek the type of help you need.

• Self knowledge - Read: personal stories about body image and/or disordered eating; professional information about disordered eating; recovery and treatment theories/options; information about "healthy/balanced/normal" nutrition; information about cultural influences on women, body image and disordered eating.
• Peer support - Connect with others who have experienced negative body image and/or disordered eating and have been through the recovery process. Peer support can take place one on one, over the phone, at drop-in centres, in support groups, etc.
• Counselling/therapy - Explore the underlying issues of your disordered eating and/or negative body image with a counsellor or therapist, either in a group or one on one. Learn new coping mechanisms and techniques for moving beyond disordered eating.
• Medical support - Seek out a medical professional to assess your physical wellness. This is especially important if disordered eating behaviour has been extreme and/or long term.

Self-care- Disordered eating and negative body image often take us away from self-nurturing and self-care. Working towards reconnecting ourselves to our body’s needs is a very important aspect of the recovery process. Self-care may manifest differently for each person. Some suggestions for self-care are:

• Be gentle with yourself. Be mindful of negative self talk and self judgments. Negativity breeds negativity.
• Take time for enjoyment and fun.
• Keep a journal of your experiences, thoughts and feelings and/or meditate to help develop self-awareness.
• Connect with people and situations in which you feel good about yourself. Detach yourself from people and situations where you don’t.
• Focus on the present. Try to be aware of "fantasizing" about the future ("when I am a size ___ everything will be perfect") and/or "beating" yourself up about the past ("I can’t believe I ___. That was so stupid"). Being in the moment may be challenging, especially when feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, etc are present. Remembering that feelings and situations move can help one get through tough moments. A mantra, like "I’m okay" or "this will pass" can be helpful.
  
  

Have parience- Disordered eating can take a long time to resolve, but recovery is possible. Working to maintain a relationship through the recovery process may be difficult but it can also help to build trust and a sense of safety.

Ecourage empowerment - Nothing should be forced upon anyone. Choices about recovery should be their own.

The influence of language- Examine your own beliefs and/or judgments about disordered eating, body shape, fat, etc. Be aware of discussions and comments made about food, weight, body shape, etc. Comments may unknowingly contribute to a negative environment.

Information and resources- Learn about disordered eating and the support/treatment options available in the community. Recovery can be a frustrating process and this knowledge can alleviate feelings of powerlessness.

Be mindful of blame- Disordered eating can be a manifestation of many forms of stress. Blame may reinforce a sense of failure and distance. Often, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and decreased self-confidence are contributing factors.

Know your own boundaries - If you offer to assist someone in their recovery process and/or are acting as a support person, be there in the most appropriate way that you are both comfortable with. Peer and familial support do not take the place of support from a health care professional. It can be difficult to be there for someone, and you may find it helpful to seek your own support from family members, friends, a counsellor, etc.