What is going on in the world that can trigger your eating disorder, and what you you do to take care of yourself?

Another phrase for triggering experience is  stress experience that triggers your eating disorder. One kind of triggering experience is personal, like your Aunt Harriett insisting you have seconds of dessert at a big family Thanksgiving dinner. sigh.  Yes. That still happens and can trigger a vulnerable person new in eating disorder recovery. Another kind could be fear of losing your job and diving into your eating disorder to hide your anxiety from your employer.

This discussion is about stress you encounter in the world right now that is exacerbated by political and economic pressures and how you can bring up your awareness so you can deal with genuine problems without relying on your eating disorder to see you through.

I just read that stress-related problems account for 75 - 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians in this country.  Even at the low end minus some improvement over the years, these are still attention getting numbers.

Here are some stress vulnerable populations. Are you in one or more of them?

Public safety officials: This includes anyone who puts her life at risk in order to provide safety for someone else.  Certainly this includes anyone in the military, police or fire department. But where else might this at risk situation hold?  Teachers now have safety concerns for their students because of violence in schools.  Anyone in a job that relates to security whether it be one warehouse or an airport is on the alert for danger.  Anyone involved with child care including parents, baby sitters, teachers, park attendants, life guards and concerned neighbors and shop keepers keep an eye out for the safety of children in their environment.  This doesn't mean that caring for a child will trigger your eating disorder.  It does mean that in a more dangerous world where you need to be alert in seemingly innocuous situations, you are increasing your levels of stress.  You need to monitor your stress levels and care for yourself so you don't go over the top and need your eating disorder to cope.

People in the workforce: This is an enormous category that covers all people with jobss.  Today, unfortunately, it also includes millions of people without jobs who want to work.  Keeping your job, getting a job, advancing in your career, coping with downsizing, shorter hours, less pay, increased competition, longer hours for less money, dealing with fewer colleagues and the firings of people near by, learning to work with a new boss and wondering about coming changes all contribute to your stress levels. 

Older Adults: Yes, I hope we all know now that eating disorders affect people at every age.  People who have to put off retirement because the dollars don't work anymore or are stuck on a fixed income that is becoming inadequate, or who have increasing health problems or discover that their increasing lonliness and isolation is because the new technological forms of communication are alien to them are in a higher stress envioronment than ever before.

Families: A history of abuse or addiction within a family increases stress. Without such adverse experiences stress is on the increase because of the cost of homes, food, education, concerns about safe neighborhoods, increased demands on time so family members have far less "quality family time."

Many of these stressors are beyond your control.  The external events, conditions and situations are part of your normal life.  But, the good news is that you can respond to them in ways that prevent your stress from rising to triggering levels.

Stress Reduction Practices

Put these activitites iinto your daily routines to build your strength and ability to cope well under stress.

1.      Recognize that you are living with stress.  Accept it.  It's part of your life.  It's part of all our lives.  Denying this just gives the stress more freedom to develop within you.  If that happens you will gradually increase your comfort coping mechanisms without realizing what you are doing.  If your stress reduction methods include stretching and taking time out for a walk, well and good. But if they involve eating or skipping meals or losing your temper or avoiding sleep (or sleeping too much) or reaching for candy or alcohol or drugs, you are on the sliippery slope.

2.      Simplify your life in as many ways as you can.  Think about what's genuinely important to you and stop putting your energy into what isn't important to you.  You can begin this process by sorting through drawers, boxes, cabinets, closets, garage and attic space, storage units, etc.  Going through all your possessions getting rid of clutter is a terrific cleanse.  You learn what you've been carrying that is a dead weight on you and that you don't need or care about anymore.  You also discover treasures that have been buried beneath old and worn out burdens.  The result of this clearing is that you get more space and clarity in your mind and soul as well as your environment.  You won't appreciate how much that clutter - some of which you thought was essential - has limited your mind and energies until you deal with it head on and honor your authentic priorities in life.

3.      Keep yourself aware of your need to be prepared.  You can't forsee every stressful circumstance that can and will arise in your life.  But certain challenges won't be so hard to deal with if you are prepared.  For example, do regular caring maintainance for your home, car, equipment, walls, floors, garden, clothes etc.  When the emergencies come your roof won't leak, your car will start, your clothes will be ready for the interview, etc.  Regularly care for your mind by reading, keeping up with portions of the news that relate to you and your interests, give yourself time to learn something new or get better at something you enjoy.  When you are in a new situation with new people you will have a refreshing point of view to contribute.

4.      Keep ongoing communication going with the people you care about, especially your children and your spouse.  When one of them is struggling with a stressful situation or beginning to step into a situation where they don't recognize danger, you will be there early to advise and guide rather than be late and have shocking news come to you from law enforcement or health officials.

5.     Maintain your health by eating three nourishing meals a day and exercising regularly.  Yes, everyone says this now, thank goodness, but don't let it become so ordinary that you let it wash over your attention without getting through.  Nourishing meals don't have to be expensive. Slow cooking is a great way to get high quality inexpensive protein in you.  Stop eating fast foods and make your lunch. Make it with friends or family and turn the chore into a pleasant sharing time.  Exercise can build into your current schedule.  Park the car or get off the bus a few blocks from your destination and walk the rest of the way.  It's amazing how this simple change improves your body and your state of mind. 

6.      Stay open about your life.  In this time of increased stress in our culture, everyone knows about the challenges we face.  No one is unaffected by our political and economic climate right now.  There's no reason to feel shame or be afraid of criticism.  Just about everyone has experienced a drop in their net worth and a shift in what they thought was their normal way of life.

When you need help, ask for it.  You may need a friend to listen, an organization to support you, a mental health professional to help you over a difficult patch.  Perhaps you need a yoga class or someone to help you learn to communicate better via the Internet or suggest a support group.  Maybe you might want to investigate a 12 step program or go back to one you left. 

Remember, your eating disorder is or was a way of helping you live your life without feeling or even knowing about emotional stress you could not bear.  Keep your eye on your stress levels and take care of yourself.  Eating disorder behaviors may reduce your stress levels temporarily, but they create even more problems in your life.  What's even worse, they distract you from dealing effectively with existing problems so that those problems only get worse.

Build yourself a stress reduction program you can live with and you will reap countless benefits forever.