How to Get Started Writing About Your ED

Journaling is therapeutic for a wide range of reasons, especially if you struggle with a 
mental health disorder or eating disorder. Getting started is often the hardest part, so 
here are a few ways you can start writing in your journal to help with your eating 
disorder.

Get a Journal You Want to Write in

The first step to writing about your eating disorder for recovery purposes is to find 
something to write in. There are many tools at your disposal, and no rules about how or 
what to journal in. This can be an electronic device if you prefer that to actually writing 
on pen and paper. However, if you can, try to get something you can actually write in. 
This can be a journal, diary, notebook, stack of paper, even printer paper if that is all 
you have. Something that you want to write in is best because it will encourage you to 
keep up with the journaling practice.

Start with a Summary of Your Eating Disorder

For the first page of your journal, begin by writing what your eating disorder is. The 
simple act of giving it a name and admitting what you are suffering from is an excellent 
first step. Many people who suffer from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and other eating 
disorders find this to be the hardest part. But once you give it a name, you feel 
empowered to keep writing about it. Describe what your eating disorder is and how it 
affects you within the first few pages of the journal.

Describe the History of Your ED

When you’re ready to write a little more, why not talk about the history of your eating 
disorder? Maybe something traumatic happened to you, or it developed slowly where 
you didn’t know it was a problem. They occur differently for every individual and for 
different reasons. Maybe you are just now discovering your eating disorder, or you have 
been trying to get recovery for a long time with many relapses. The journal is a great 
place to be open and honest with yourself about what you have gone through.

Begin Writing About Your Feelings Regarding the ED

Continue writing in your journal often about what you are going through. This lets you 
explain your thoughts and feelings on the good days and the bad. You can then look 
back at it and see what patterns or triggers might emerge from it.


