In my experience, I have also needed to consciously work at reducing my exposure to triggers and where exposure is unavoidable, to create a plan of how I will navigate those times of increased vulnerability. Some of my triggers include:
- Dieting or ‘diet talk’
- Physical illness that affects appetite/eating
- Too many late nights or lack of sleep
- Forgetting to take my medications
- Missing meals (it is important for me to carry snacks in my bag in the event that I am unable to access my normal meal)
- Becoming too busy and failing to make time for self-care, rest, and relaxation
- Viewing a magazine that focuses on weight, diets, weight-loss, eating disorders, or has an abundance of unrealistically thin models.
- Weighing/measuring myself
- Seeing myself in photos
- Learning of a friend’s relapse or weight loss
- Clothes shopping
- Interruptions or changes to schedules
- Life stressors or pressures
- Relational issues
- Strong emotions such as shame, fear, guilt, anxiety, anger, depression, and loneliness.
- Boredom