Treatment or not treatment

[Rach878]

I'm having a hard time decideing weather or not to go to treatment over the summer, adn i know that i need to make up my mind soon, because i'm sure the centers around me are filling up quickely. I know that it's probably what i need to do, but i'm scared. How do i make it work this time so that i don't relapse. Does anyone have ideas how to prevent relapsing, maybe last time i didn't do something i was suppose to. I just don't want it to be a waste of time.

[shlee1016]

Good for you!! Yes, please keep us updated! =)

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Good for you!  Keep the courage, you will be glad you did!  Best, Dr Patricia Pitts  The Bella Vita

[Rach878]

Thanks everyone.
As scared as i am i think i am going to set the ball in motion to make it so i go to a program over the summer. i will keep you all posted on how things are going. My next step is to let my thereripst on Tues, know that i've made my desicion and then let my family know. You've all been so helpful. Thanks

[shlee1016]

Yes, I think Relapse Prevention is a must. It should actually be part of the program of wherever you go I would think. If not though for some reason, please do bring it up definitely. I hate that that happened to you with insurance. That makes things so hard. I'm glad you do have a therapist right now though, and it's awesome that you have a med. doctor as well. With whatever program you are in, perhaps look to see if they have anything for families? Sometimes programs have programs to help families understand what their loved ones are going through, and to help them understand eating disorders in general. That might be helpful. I know where I went there was a week devoted to families. It was "Family Week" and our families came up and they had classes, as well as sessions with us. It was a huge thing and so so so helpful. Most places don't have something quite that extreme, but the idea of involving families and at least helping them understand on some level what's going on. If they don't have something at the place you go to, maybe talk to the therapist you are assigned there about this and perhaps you could work something out? Would you be open to that? Have you ever had any type of family therapy? Also, if your insurance would cover a dietitian in your area that specializes in eating disorders, that could be really helpful for you after discharge. Let us know how you are doing. I am so happy to hear that you are ready. I understand that you are scared though. That's understandable for sure.

[Rach878]

Thank you both. If i do decide to go i will talk about relapse prevention. I think i'm ready to go, i'm just scared of going.
Last time i went i did have and ed theripsit, but my insurance stopped covering her, so when i was discharged i never saw her again. I don't have a dietican, but i do have a theripsit, right now, and a med. doctor. My primary care doctor knows i have an ed and depending on how much weight  i loose each week depends on how often i see her, but regardless i see her once a month.
As for my family, there not really supportive. My mom doesn't understand why i can't just stop, she only cares when she's noticing weight loss. My brother doesn't have a clue. He knows i have ed, but  he doesn't know anything about it.
I guess more than anything i'm scared, and my insurance, at least last time wouldn't cover inpatient program, which is what everyone thought i needed, they would only cover a day program, so a day program is liklly where i'll be.

[shlee1016]

I agree. The first question to ask yourself would be "Are you ready?" And it sounds like you are, or at least "ready enough," because you are debating this to begin with. I commend you. I think that from your mentality right now, you are in a good place to get treatment. As far as relapse goes, while you are in treatment it is so so important while you are there to discuss relapse prevention, and most programs that have any idea what they're doing should have this as a part of their program I would think because it is so crucial. When you get out of inpatient treatment, you should no doubt have some type of treatment team on an outpatient basis, as well as a good support system. Ideally, this might include some sort of day program or IOP program. If there is no way that's possible because of your location or for whatever reason, at least seeing a therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist to watch meds if you're on them, medical doctor to watch your physical health, and labs, heart, etc. and of course, the support of your family. It would also be important that these people specialize in eating disorders if at all possible, or at least the therapist/dietitian, but the others would definitely need to be aware and know what's going on. The support of your family, and maybe some close friends if you choose is also so important in your recovery. Building up a support system around you, having the skills to fight, and the people to lean on will help you keep going. Does that help? When I was in treatment last, the treatment center made us make our appointments within days (like 2 or 3) of our discharge, to ensure we would be released immediately into outpatient treatment with more support. I think that was awesome that they did that. I could be telling you things you already know, but in my opinion, that's the best way to prevent relapse. Could this be what's been missing in the past?

[pink2385]

Maybe while you are there you can talk to one of the specialists about relapsing? Maybe the emotional problem that started it all is still there. About it being a waste of time, it's only a waste of time if you view it as a waste of time by not wanting to recover or not having the willpower of seeking help when you feel like you are slipping again.