Getting Started
Make A List...
Making a list of things you want to tell the doctor can be very helpful... you can read it to him/her or just hand it over. On top of the list should be to flat out tell them "I have an Eating Disorder." Be prepared for any response you may get from them and keep in mind it is not a reflection on you. Many doctors are inexperienced in dealing with Eating Disorders.... do not be afraid to share your information with them or to ask them questions. Your doctor will be in charge of your physical well being and you need to feel comfortable... if you do not, find another doctor.
What do you want from Therapy and Treatment?
Make a list of things you expect out of therapy and treatment. What type of treatment do you want? Are you looking for group as well as individual therapy? Do you prefer to be in an inpatient facility? Does an outpatient facility or clinic appeal to you? Do you want to go once a week, twice a week, once a month? Will your therapist be open minded to different ideas for your course of treatment? Are you okay with the possibility of taking medications like anti-depressants? These are all important things to think about when looking for a therapist you will feel comfortable with.
Most of all, make sure you find people you feel you can trust. People who treat you well and with respect. Your therapist need not be an "Eating Disorder" specialist to treat you effectively, as long as they are willing to address your emotional conflicts while remaining aware of your physical health. Therapist can range from formal psychiatrists to informal counselors, from private practices to Eating Disorder clinics. You have to decide what type of therapy will work for you.
Self Exploration
Don't be afraid to do some self exploration. Reading self-help books, taking workshops, going to church groups can all play a part in your recovery... It is an individual choice and is up to you. Nothing replaces a therapist or treatment facility, so it is important to remember that whatever you decide for your own self-exploration it should be in addition to some sort of professional help.
Support...
Finding people who can understand and support you can sometimes be difficult. If you don't feel there is anyone in your life that can offer you the encouragement you need, feel free to visit eating disorder recovery sites and or read stories of recovered sufferers.
Get a "Medical Alert"
It may not sound important, or it may even be embarrassing to you, but it can be very important to the hospital doctors and nurses should you lose consciousness, suffer kidney failure or have a heart attack (or any other Eating Disorder related illness). Even if you are admitted to the Emergency Room for reasons unrelated, it is important for the medical staff to be aware of your Eating Disorder. If you are in a position to not be able to clearly communicate with the medical staff, they will not know why you may be suffering from your symptoms, and/or may not be able to treat you quickly and effectively.
