By Benazir Radmanesh, Silver Linings volunteer

September is a month of transition for many. It marks the beginning of the seasonal change from summer to autumn. Students return to school and the long dog days of summer slowly slip away. This transitional time can stir up emotions as adjustments are made and prompt anxiety, fear and worry.

September also marks an important mental health related date, World Suicide Prevention Day, on the 10th of the month. Though not widely known, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness including depression. This is a result of the frequency of suicide and of life-threatening medical complications among those with eating disorders. (Evidence, University of Calgary’s Dr. April S. Elliott, as cited in LeBlanc, 2014).

So, for this month’s blog, it seemed appropriate to share some tips on how to cope with the stress that often comes with change and transition. In my experience, the voice of the eating disorder also often gets louder during these times. Here are some simple strategies that have helped me in the past:

1) Increase your self-care activities.

Often, when we’re feeling out of sorts, anxious, or stressed, it can feel like life is spiralling out of control. The eating disorder hates losing control and thus unhealthy behaviours or coping mechanisms can start to seem more appealing. This is why it’s so important to try to increase your self-care activities and thereby set yourself up with better options during times of transition. This could include: taking warm showers or baths, having early nights, going for nature walks, spending time with pets, getting your nails done, treating yourself to something you’ve wanted for a while, or taking a personal day off from work or school.

2) Surround yourself with a strong support network.

In stressful times it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not isolating yourself or hiding your pain from others. Reach out to trusted people in your life, whether this is a therapist or counsellor, family members, friends, your faith community or your partner. There are also free, confidential hotlines and crisis services that you can access. (Please see below for more information about these).

3) Always keep in mind, this too shall pass.

Just like the seasons, feelings come and go. Often when certain feelings or circumstances have felt unbearable to me I remind myself, this too shall pass. The only things we can count on in life are impermanence and change, and this simple saying can be a comforting reminder that cloudy days are often followed by sunny, bright ones.

Whether the beginning of fall excites you or challenges you, these 3 strategies may provide some additional comfort. Most of all, always remember that if you are ever struggling there are resources available to provide support. You are not alone.

Sending you love and wishing you a serene and happy September.

Benazir

● Calgary’s 24-hour crisis support line is 403-266-4357.

● The NEDIC helpline, 1-866-NEDIC-20, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST).

● NEDIC’s instant chat, at https://nedic.ca/, is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST).

● By texting “COVID19HOPE” to 393939, you can subscribe to receive daily text messages with advice and encouragement regarding healthy personal coping skills and resiliency. This service is provided by Alberta Health Services, https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17019.aspx

● Silver Linings’ Clinical Advisors recommend the following Apps, Recovery Record (Free; iOS and Android), Rise Up and Recover (Free; iOS and Android) and Lifesum (Free; iOS and Android).

● For live meal support, via Instagram, please check out: https://www.instagram.com/covid19eatingsupport/

● For a comprehensive eating disorders resource, please check out this website - https://eatingdisorders.info/ - that we and our community partner, EDSNA, developed in consultation with Alberta Health Services.

● The federal First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Clients can also access an online chat at Hope for Wellness.