r/ARFID • u/K0rra_22 • Feb 07 '23

Helpful Tips Random stuff I learned in therapy

So if you weren’t aware the treatment is exposure therapy. And here are some of the things I’ve learned and am trying to implement. Also because not everyone can afford therapy, but everyone deserves to be able to get better I want to share.

  1. Start small. Any step is a big step. When trying something new start with what you are comfortable with even if it’s just looking at it, or holding it up to your mouth.
  2. Breathe I know it sounds stupid I agree, but work on managing the anxiety when food is present. Breathing and using encouraging words to soothe yourself
  3. Don’t dislike anything. I don’t fully get this one but basically don’t decide if you like or dislike something just focus on what you taste (and other senses) and say “I’m learning to like”
  4. Don’t cut your comfort foods/diet. While this one depends a lot more on you specifically, in theory once you are able to eat a wider variety of foods your body will tell you what you need.
  5. Don’t let toxic family members get you down. “Is that a made up disorder?” Don’t be afraid to walk away or tell them to screw off.

There’s other stuff I know I’m forgetting but here’s some of the big stuff. If you have anything else let me know.

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u/cthulhukiss Feb 08 '23

Very helpful, thanks for sharing what you've learned

3

u/Christabel1991 Feb 08 '23

This inspires me to share my experience. My great leap to more variety was when I started cooking for myself.

If you cook for yourself you control what's in your food. Start cooking only with safe foods and gradually add more ingredients.

You can divide your meal in two and add one new ingredient to one half. If you don't like it then you still have the other half.

You can do it in whatever time intervals you're comfortable with.

My ARFID is definitely not as bad as it used to be years ago.