I was offered the opportunity to be part of a panel discussion on the topic of Body Image and Sports Psychology. The panel needed someone who knew about eating disorders.
I had not thought about this topic for at least 20 years. When I was in my late teens into my early twenties, I was a very high-level athlete in the sport of synchronized swimming. I was one of many synchronized swimmers with an eating disorder. Mine was bulimia. I had never publicly spoken about this challenge.
First, in doing so here, I thank the other synchronized swimmer who mentioned to me that she had this problem too. She invited me to go to a support group for eating disorder recovery. Indeed, two meetings were enough for me to stop the behavior. Furthermore, I was frightened by the possible side-effects of bulimia and stopped binge eating and vomiting.
If anyone out there is suffering from this challenge, please know that you are not alone. Go to a support group or visit a psychotherapist or counselor. With support, you will find the love and understanding you need to help you eventually make changes. (It can be a slow process—don’t give up!)
After you have completed an inpatient program, you may be looking for holistic health solutions available. If you are in the Southern California area, check programs offered through Vantage Point Lifestyle and Recovery Management Center in Thousand Oaks. This program offers assistance from several different practitioners including empowerment coaching, psychotherapy, yoga, nutrition, counseling, and other choices to serve your unique needs.
“Big dreams. Small Steps.”
Bobbi Rudin is a mind body spirit healthcare writer and instructor. She shared this blog.