I think it’s safe to say that the eating disorder is a coping mechanism. Maladaptive, sure, but it does serve a purpose in your life. There’s a reason that people hold onto it and end up in treatment multiple times. However, the eating disorder is not a solution. It doesn’t make you in control…

Several weeks ago I wrote a post — that I never published — titled, “I need an iPad for recovery.” There has been a lot of negative press about eating disorders and technology, so in contrast I’m going to explain how I’ve used my iPhone / iPad to aid my recovery…

I’ve heard that “the eating disorder is like a bad boyfriend.” I guess that in this context, referring to the eating disorder as “Ed” makes a lot of sense. The boyfriend analogy aside, the eating disorder does fall under the category of “toxic relationship.” Just look at how relevant the 10 steps are…

I’ve always believed that avoidance is a healthy coping skill to some extent… but have had therapists who insist that it is maladaptive. The article makes a good point about this: “[Avoidant] strategies can be effective in the short-term…”

I just couldn’t resist…
On the 12th day of Christmas,
my therapist gave to me…

12 new feeling words
11 prying questions
9 self-affirmations …

I thought that these quotes would be especially appropriate after my series on coping skills.
Dr. Meredith Grey: In the hospital, we see addiction every day. It’s shocking, how many kinds of addiction exist. It would be too easy if it was just drugs and booze and cigarettes. I think the hardest part of kicking a habit is wanting to kick it. I mean, we get addicted for a reason, right? Often, too often, things that start out as just a normal part of your life at some point cross …

…according to Grey Thinking, at least.  I’ve seen so many coping skills lists full of bubble baths, deep breathing, positive affirmations, etc, and really am just bored with them.  Someone needs to come up with some creative and new alternative coping mechanisms!  I might as well start.  Here’s a list of some of my favorite / most-helpful coping skills, that I’ve never seen (or very rarely seen) on any “learning to cope” list.
Five of the most underrated coping skills:

card stores
bulletin boards
kudos charts
crafting
dvds

I have a lot to say about each one …