I’m trying to sort out which kind of anorexia treatment would actually fit me, and the choices feel overwhelming. There are outpatient programs, intensive outpatient, residential treatment, dietitians, therapists, medication, and probably other options I’m not even considering.
Part of me wants to start with regular therapy and nutrition support so I can keep some normalcy. Another part knows I tend to minimize things, so a more structured program might be safer. I’m also worried about choosing something too intense, then feeling trapped and quitting.
I think I need a team that understands both the eating disorder and the anxiety around giving up control. It would help to know how people figured out what level of care they needed.
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Mary, the worry about choosing something too intense makes sense, especially when losing control is already part of the fear. I found it helpful to be honest with the treatment team about that concern instead of trying to pick the “right” level on my own.
One small example: I once started with outpatient support and agreed on clear warning signs that would mean stepping up care. Having that plan made the first step feel less permanent, while still keeping safety in view.
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@Jessica_Miller, the clear warning signs idea seems really useful. Having something written down could stop me from arguing with myself later about whether things are “bad enough” for more help.
I’d probably ask the team to include practical signs too, not just medical numbers. Like skipping more meals, isolating, or getting stuck in food rules. That makes stepping up feel more like following the plan, not suddenly losing control.
@Mary_Garner, the part about minimizing things seems like a good reason to let a qualified team assess you rather than relying on your own judgment alone. You don’t have to prove that you’re “sick enough” before asking for that assessment.
Could you ask for a stepped-care plan? Starting outpatient might be reasonable if your medical status is stable, with specific signs that would mean moving to intensive outpatient or residential care. I’d also ask how they handle the fear of feeling trapped, since a treatment plan should leave room for your concerns while still keeping safety first.