“Can’t I just get better on my own?”
“Why do I need to see a doctor” (or other healthcare professional)?
You have probably heard the question asked of you dozens of times, I know I have. And given the high risk of medical complications and other challenges faced in recovery, we always recommend that individuals with eating disorders seek professional help, as well they should.
But are there any self-help resources that truly help?
As a matter of fact, yes, there are a variety of resources, many quite valuable indeed, that patients can use to enrich their recovery experience, gain additional insight, and find added support.
Technological resources, self-help and professional organizations, and written self-help guides all offer their share of benefit to the recovery process, when used in conjunction to professional recovery treatment.
For example, due to the popularity and usefulness of online technology, researchers are investigating the use of the Internet as a treatment tool. Although research in this area is limited, preliminary results show that certain forms of Internet-based intervention may provide a future compliment to traditional face-to-face treatments. For example, myself help.com offers an online self-help program for binge eating and bulimia nervosa that, when used in conjunction to more structured, supervised treatment, has reportedly had a positive effect on recovery.
Some of the other many web-based self-help resources include:
http://www.MaudsleyParents.org
http://www.eatingwithyouranorexic.com
http://www.bodysense.ca
http://www.somthing-fishy.org
As far as written materials, there are a number that come highly recommended by both patients and professionals alike. I share some of the highlights of these helpful resources below…
Apple, R., & Agras, W.S. (2007). Overcoming your eating disorder: A cognitive behavioral therapy approach for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. (Client workbook). New York: Oxford University Press. Therapist Guide also available.
Claiborn, J., & Pedrick, C. (2002). The BDD workbook:Overcome body dysmorphic disorder and end body image obsessions. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Craighead, L. (2006). The appetite awareness workbook: How to listen to your body and overcome bingeing, overeating, and obsessions with food. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Davis, M., Eshelman, E. R., & McKay, M. (2000). The relaxation and stress reduction workbook (Fifth Edition). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Dellasega, C. (2005). The starving family companion workbook: a workbook for parents of children with eating disorders. Fredonia, Wisconsin: Champion Press.
Eivors, A., & Nesbitt, S. (2005). Hunger for understanding: A workbook for helping young people to understand and overcome anorexia nervosa. West Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fairburn, C.G. (1995). Overcoming binge eating. New york: The Guilford Press.
Goodman, L. J., & Villapiano, M. (2001). Eating disorders: The journey to recovery workbook. New York: Taylor & Francis.
Hall, L., & Cohn, L. (1990). Self-esteem: Tools for recovery. Carlsbad, CA: Gürze Books.
Kano, S. (1989). Making peace with food: Freeing yourself from the diet/weight obsession. New York: Harper & Row.
Koenig, K. (2007). The food and feelings workbook: A full course meal on emotional health. Carlsbad, CA: Gürze Books.
McCabe, R., McFarlane, T., & Olmstead, M. (2003). The overcoming bulimia workbook. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
McKay. M., Wood, J.C., & Brantley, J. (2007). The dialectical behavior therapy skills workbook. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Nelson, T. (2008). What’s eating you?: A workbook for teens who have problems with food.Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Schiraldi, G.R. (2001). The self-esteem workbook. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.