GASLIGHTING AND DISORDERED EATING

Gaslighting is not new to disordered eating. In fact, it has always been around, but we have not stopped to name it. Gaslighting in itself is a form of manipulation where your disordered eating seeks to gain control of your thoughts, and how you remember things and makes you second guess your experiences. Some refer to it as your disordered eating voice, and negative self-talk and lead you to question that which you know to be true.

This level of manipulation makes treatment challenging. Initially, your disordered eating voice may tell you, you are doing a good job and quickly turn to criticize you for the same behavior you were originally praised for. At some point, those struggling with disordered eating are able to note that their disordered eating voice is actually 'lying' to them.

Unfortunately, by this time there seems to be so much self-doubt that fighting the disordered eating voice seems overwhelming and anxiety-provoking.

It is through treatment that you can learn to fight your disordered eating voice and regain your confidence and find your ability to be fully recovered.

Finding freedom from disordered eating can be done with the help of your treatment team and support team.