Question for CP people with eating disorders

[anonymousgirl]

So I'm slightly worried about going to the CP in the fall because I'm have problems with eating disorders. I was wondering if anyone else has gone to their CP and still been able to keep their eating disorder in check. I really don't want to have to go home half way through the program because I can't handle it. I know it will be different for each person depending on the support they can get while they are down there. I guess I would love any advice that anyone could give me on things that worked for them while they were in the program. (I'm at a healthy weight currently and would like to keep it that way!)

 

[indianabrit]

So I'm slightly worried about going to the CP in the fall because I'm have problems with eating disorders. I was wondering if anyone else has gone to their CP and still been able to keep their eating disorder in check. I really don't want to have to go home half way through the program because I can't handle it. I know it will be different for each person depending on the support they can get while they are down there. I guess I would love any advice that anyone could give me on things that worked for them while they were in the program. (I'm at a healthy weight currently and would like to keep it that way!)

I have a friend who has struggled with her eating disorder her entire life, and I have problems with extreme anxiety. I've noticed that we're both at our worst when we're not keeping ourselves busy. I don't know how she handles it, but I always make sure that if I'm feeling even a little bit panicky I walk around, get a glass of water, or do something to keep myself occupied. Otherwise, I'm a complete mess.

I haven't been too worried about the DCP and my panic attacks. I figure that Disney is going to have PLENTY of things for us to do and to keep our minds off of our worries and/or weight. The choice is yours though because it is your health that could be at stake. If you think you're strong enough to go than you should definitely give it a try.

I'm sure there are others who are in the same boat as you. Finding someone to talk to shouldn't be too hard. You are not alone.

 

[anonymousgirl]

I'm fairly confidant that I will be ok after being there for a few weeks. It's just the first week or so that scares me because I know that's the period where I could pick up my bad habits again and it would be easy to skip meals. Usually when I'm feeling like I could be slipping back into my old routines I have a bunch of people I can talk to and who can help me here at home. I just don't think I'll have that down there at Disney my first two or three weeks and thats whats kinda worrying me. One thing I know for sure is that if I am able to move to Florida and do ok on my own I will be very proud of myself!

 

[Ikcerog]

Surely most will find people to socialize with, and spend time bonding with during their stay through the CP, but in addition, I am inclined to believe there would be some sort of counseling available if the need should arise.

This is purely speculation from someone who has never done the program, but the Center for Living Well or similar institution should, at a minimum, have professionals on site to assist you with anything you would want to talk/vent about. With a cast of such diverse individuals participating and dedicating their talents to the experience, I believe they would provide something akin to that.

Just a safety net; I'm sure you'll make fast friends!

 

[indianabrit]

I'm fairly confidant that I will be ok after being there for a few weeks. It's just the first week or so that scares me because I know that's the period where I could pick up my bad habits again and it would be easy to skip meals. Usually when I'm feeling like I could be slipping back into my old routines I have a bunch of people I can talk to and who can help me here at home. I just don't think I'll have that down there at Disney my first two or three weeks and thats whats kinda worrying me. One thing I know for sure is that if I am able to move to Florida and do ok on my own I will be very proud of myself!

Out of curiosity, which program are you doing/when is your arrival date?

 

[Legaleen]

Also remember that you will always have a phone and those connections at home are only a phone call away! I know it's not the same but it is something and you'd be surprised how much a phone call can help you when you're not feeling your best! Hope everyone works out for you, I'm sure you're not alone.

 

[Soarin08]

I can assure everyone that while on the CP, you will develop the biggest support system in the world. Other CPs, your roommates, fellow CMs who you work with or meet in the parks and befriend, your managers and supervisors... the list goes on and on. I went through a bad period on my first CP in 2009 and the support I got from everyone I knew and worked with was incredible. Just keep that in mind, and along with everyone you know from home there to support you, you'll be all right. I can guarantee it!

 

[anonymousgirl]

Out of curiosity, which program are you doing/when is your arrival date?

Fall 2011 8/8 checkin

 

[ladypage]

I just wanted to extend myself if anyone does need someone to talk to while your down there. I'll be there 8/22, and I totally know what it feels like to feel alone. But I hear that I'm a good person to talk to. My coworkers call me Dr. Phil

I've dealt with a lot of personal issues myself, so I sort of understand. So it's just an option if any of you guys need anyone to talk to!

 

[disneymegs]

If you have a problem with not eating enough, just try to get out and go to Disney restaurants and try new things. There is some really great food here! And make sure you prepare lunch for shifts! You will have plenty of support here.

 

[progroupie]

I've never suffered from an eating disorder so I can't give you any specific advice but I do have other issues that I attend therapy for and while I was on my CP I was able to find a great doctor in the Kissimmee area that I visited regularly. So I definetly reccommend checking out local doctors and therapists when you first get down there.

 

[somebody_somewhere]

I am worried about this as well! Especially knowing how long hours will be..the heat etc...It can be so difficult going away from normal eating habbits/structure and of course going away from support teams...I leave for my program in 2 weeks(!) and this is my biggest fear! Feel free to message me and I will let you know (hopefully reassure you) that there is no ED in disney!

 

[thatcrazydisneygirl]

I didn't fare too well with my eating disorder while on the program. I found that all the hours of work and lack of putting myself out there socially combined to make me very stressed and generally unhappy. It's not something to take lightly. I was often scheduled to work a day that was from 10am until 12:15am or so. I was given one true lunch break during this time. I found it hard to eat right around that.

The best advice that I can give it to seek out friends and put yourself out there socially so that when and if you do struggle, you know that you have a support system and network to turn to for help. I didn't do this and found myself struggling and lonely.

 

[anonymousgirl]

Thanks so much for the good advice everyone! Hopefully I can make several friends while I'm there who can be there for me if I need anything. My only problem with that is that I'm fairly shy so making friends is sometimes really hard for me. Sometimes I feel bothersome and annoying and so I don't want to bug people so I don't hang out with them or talk to them a lot. Usually I can overcome my concerns or self doubt and just become good friends with people but sometimes (especially when I'm not doing so well in the self-confidence area) I just kind of spend all my time alone. I guess I'm just really afraid that I will get to Florida and be so nervous and self-conscious that I won't make a lot of friends and that I will not eat properly. I really hope that I'm just worried over nothing right now because I feel like this could go really well or really badly for me. arrrr! I just need to stop worrying and have a little faith in myself! I know this is something I really want to do so it's something I will make myself be strong enough to do!!

 

[beautybutafunnygirl]

Thanks so much for the good advice everyone! Hopefully I can make several friends while I'm there who can be there for me if I need anything. My only problem with that is that I'm fairly shy so making friends is sometimes really hard for me. Sometimes I feel bothersome and annoying and so I don't want to bug people so I don't hang out with them or talk to them a lot. Usually I can overcome my concerns or self doubt and just become good friends with people but sometimes (especially when I'm not doing so well in the self-confidence area) I just kind of spend all my time alone. I guess I'm just really afraid that I will get to Florida and be so nervous and self-conscious that I won't make a lot of friends and that I will not eat properly. I really hope that I'm just worried over nothing right now because I feel like this could go really well or really badly for me. arrrr! I just need to stop worrying and have a little faith in myself! I know this is something I really want to do so it's something I will make myself be strong enough to do!!

I know I'm just an Internet Stranger and all buttttt... if you want someone to hang out with right away when you get to Orlando, I'm going for fall advantage and I'd love to have a new friend! You sound awesome and sweet and down to earth so I'm SURE you will gather up a big group of friends really fast once you get there and start meeting people, but if it's the "what if" worries between now and August that are really getting to you, know that I would love to be friends! It's obvs not much but just putting it out there.

 

[indianabrit]

I know I'm just an Internet Stranger and all buttttt... if you want someone to hang out with right away when you get to Orlando, I'm going for fall advantage and I'd love to have a new friend!

Ditto!

 

[ancora_imparo]

I think a support group for those of us recovering would be a good idea.

 

[anonymousgirl]

I think that sounds like a pretty good idea.