Eating Disorder Community - How do you actually feel today?

@DoveLove - I'm really proud of you for pushing through and eating healthy even when it was really hard for you. You are so strong and you can get through this and come out the other side healthy, happy, and loving of yourself. Take care and stay strong!

I feel you Girl!

@daintydaisyy - It's so hard when you're feeling so low about your body to convince yourself that it's still important to nourish it, but it really is. Fighting bad body image is incredibly tough, and honestly, the best thing that helped me was really the 'fake it 'til you make it' idea. Every morning, force yourself to say something nice to yourself. When you feel yourself being cruel, remind yourself that you should treat you the way you would treat a dear friend. It doesn't change overnight, but with time, being kind to yourself will start to change how you feel about yourself, too. Take care, sweetie

@BrightSummer889 - I can relate to how hard it is to see that number change, but I hope you can try to let go of it, rather than punishing yourself. You deserve better than cruelty and punishment from anyone, most especially from yourself. What would you tell a friend who told you she had to punish herself for this? Can you tell yourself the same thing?

@th3commonc0ld - How are you doing today? I hope you've been able to stay away from the relapse and to instead reach out for the support you need when things are this tough. Never hesitate to reach out here if you need some extra encouragement, love, or anything else. And if you have relapsed, try to forgive yourself and move forward, back into recovery. You are strong and you can do this.

@selfconfidantpeach2806 - I can relate so much to what you're saying. All I can offer is that what helped me most with this is to stop making each day an all or nothing game and break it down further. I focus on making the best decision I can in this meal, this hour, this minute, whatever I need to do. When it's hardest, I try to get from one minute to the next without giving in. When I'm feeling stronger, I can take on a whole day or weekend at once. But set small manageable goals and work towards them. You can do this. You really can.

@whisperingwillow2 - I'm sorry you're feeling that way. I wish I could offer something to change it, but since I can't, instead I will offer you a huge *hug* through the internet. Take care

@alexlove - I'm sorry to hear today is such a tough day for you. It seems like even though you're trying not to think about your problems, it might help to talk about them a bit. Have you thought about logging in as a member/guest and grabbing a listener here to talk for a while? Take care

@BraveMelon7408 - Really really proud of you for turning to drawing when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed - that's a fantastic alternative, and with some new art to show at the end! Hopefully the transition back to school with get a little easier in the next week or so as it becomes a bit more normal again. Take care, and stay strong!

@convivialfriend25 - Sometimes it helped me to find foods that my mind was more willing to let me eat for those really tough times. Or to find a distraction for my mind while my body was able to eat - a conversation, a tv show, some music, whatever works. If it helps, you could even grab a listener here and talk to them while you eat so that you have the extra encouragement you need while you eat. Take care, you can do this!

@AnAbundanceOfMe - When you are back at school and you first see your friends again, what do you think as you see them? Are you immediately concerned about whether they are skinny enough to be there? Or are you just excited to see people you love? What purpose does being skinny serve that is needed before you get back to school?

I believe in you, and I know that you can go back to school strong and healthy instead of starving. You can do this.