Since I’ve gotten a job I’ve noticed my social anxiety has significantly reduced. I’m going out usually 5 days a week, and leaving the house that often would have brought on a mild anxiety attack just from thinking about it.
Although going out and facing people, meeting colleagues, e.t.c have made a huge difference, I think having a job has boosted my confidence in so many ways. I now walk to and from work with more of an identity.
I am no longer unemployed, overweight and eating disordered, I am now … employed, overweight but working on it, and eating disordered but in therapy. I can now afford to join a gym, and although I have less time to go, I feel I have more of a reason to make an effort. And I’ve felt that with every aspect of my life.
For the past 3 weeks I haven’t been so focused on chocolate, or bingeing. I’ve gone to buy classic binge food almost without thinking about it, but as my therapist reminded me “you don’t have to buy it.” And I haven’t. Teamed with more exercise due to work and generally just getting out more, I’ve lost some weight. Nothing to write home about, but enough to remind myself that I can do this.
I can walk away from an impending binge, and I can lose weight, and I can have an Eating Disorder free existence. Or as ED free as possible for me.
Since unemployment is an international issue, how has being unemployed/employed helped or hindered your Eating problems?
Hayley Emma
P.s. I’m still adjusting to working and so please bear with me with infrequent posts 
I know that as much as my job drives me crazy sometimes, having something to get up and do does wonders for my mood. It’s far too easy for me to sink into depression and get stuck in my own head if I’m sitting at home all day.
Glad work’s going well! Sending you good thoughts!
Very true, thank you
I’ve read some of your poems by the way, in Out of True, they are captivating. I’m still going through them, i want to go all nerd literature student and analyse them and then email you, but i seriously loved Syzygy 
xx
Aw, thank you! I’m so glad you like that one. It’s one of my favorites, too! You can email me anytime, I’d love to talk to you about them!
Keep up the good work.
You have lots of exciting changes happening!
Thank you
scary changes but good changes xx
Being self employed lead me to gain the initial weight I wanted to lose. When I was disordered, being part-time employed at my retail job was the only thing that got me out of the house. Being self-employed allowed me the time flexibility to cut calories by learning how to cook and, ultimately, eat healthier. It was the cause of, and cure to, my eating disorder.
I think your situation is better for you than mine originally was. You’re doing an amazing job! Don’t stop now. Explore what it’s like to be social. Maybe…make some friends? I’ve made lasting friends that I’ve met as customers at my retail job!
Aww really? That’s a great way of meeting people! Yeah i’ve made some friends at work, none that i’ve seen outside of work but hopefully that’ll change. I’m glad you found a balance
xx
es we can!!! This is so great to hear you are doing so well. Keep kicking azz.
You too!
xx
Congratulations! It sounds like you’re doing really well and making good progress along the way. You should be very proud of all you’ve achieved so far.
I agree with Lucy – having a reason to get up and something to do each day, somewhere to go, really does help. It might not be the place where we ‘want’ to be but, I too often find myself feeling low on a weekend where I’m not doing anything.
I don’t really suffer from any eating disorder, as far as I’m aware but, work can leave me feeling too tired to cook in an evening, after a long day. There are other factors contributing to this but, I’ve gotten in to a habit where I only seem to eat evening meals every other day (sometimes, it’s even less than that). When I do eat, I try to make it quite healthy. No more ready meals or any of that rubbish!
Unfortunately ready meals were a necessity when i was at Uni
I want to cook healty meals, but it’s lack of energy and sometimes lack of interest that holds me back, so you’re not alone on that one 
xx
that’s great news i’m so happy for you!
Thank you
xx
I’m so excited and happy for you, Hayley – and inspired! I remember HOW HARD it was for you, not even that long ago, just to get up of a morning and function. And going out there into that big bad world? WOW because not only did you face your fears and anxiety head on, you conquered them!
So much love xx
As you know I’ve just recently started volunteer work again. The ed has made stamina and energy a huge issue, and the anxiety has made getting there in the first place very difficult – but I’m doing it. Every time we face our fears and do it anyway, we prove to ourselves that we CAN and we grow a little stronger, it also gets a little easier the next time. And the boost to self esteem from having a job is amazing!!
So proud of you
Thanks
I’m so happy we’re going through this together, getting new jobs and facing anxiety. It’s so difficult, but i am SO proud of you too! 
Love love love xx
I’ve been thinking of you and wondering how you are going! I hope we can catch up sometime soon. Off to bed now – sending you warm hugs! Thank you for being my friend and for being YOU xxx
Me too! It makes it all the more special to me! xx