Finding eating disorder support groups can help sufferers on the road to recovery while also helping to prevent relapses.

Eating disorder support groups are designed to help those who suffer from eating disorders – the patients and their families. By helping to educate as well as to help with interventions, these support groups help women and men battling anorexia, bulimia, compulsive eating, and other disorder eating patterns.

Virtual Support Groups

Sometimes having an eating disorder makes a person feel ashamed. And as a result, they might not ask for help or want to admit their problem to anyone. However, with the Internet, someone suffering from an eating disorder can still get the help they need – without leaving the house. It is so convenient to join an online support group or mailing list. Since there is such a great level of anonymity, in many ways it allows us to communicate more honestly and perhaps make us feel more comfortable in sharing information that is sensitive or even embarrassing.

Find the Right Eating Disorder Support Group

With so many support groups currently online, it can take a while to find one where you feel comfortable and one that suits your needs. People often have to join a group first for a bit before they know if it will suit their needs. If you try a support group and find it depressing to talk to others who have severe and worse problems than your own, you may decide not to continue with that group and perhaps find another. Don’t be afraid to switch groups if you feel you need more.

Risks with Online Support Groups

There is always an element of risk when joining any kind of online group. Sometimes a list will disappear for no apparent reason. These days, virtually anyone can open and run an online support group, but that also means they can disband a group just as easily. If you feel skeptical or have difficulty finding confidence in a particular group, it is best to not join that group. You may want to join more than one group in order to always have some sort of support on hand in case one group disappears.

Group Dynamics with Support Groups

Since people are people, there are going to conflicts and dramas in any group you join. From fights and name-calling to suicide threats, you need to be prepared for times when your group may not be fun. No one in a support group is there to be a therapist. We are there for our own reasons and need for support. Each and every one of us needs to put ourselves first. If you run into someone who is suicidal, do your best to lead them in the right direction to get help. Listen and give any advice you have to that person. If an individual continues with suicidal threats, you can let them know that you cannot help them unless they help themselves.

You may even want to stop the discussion altogether. You need to let people know your boundaries and you are responsible for putting yourself first. Once you set limits for yourself, stick to them and make sure others do too. It’s a good life lesson for you, and while it might be painful at times, boundaries are going to help you with your eating disorder recovery process.