TW (EDs) - idk what to do about clothes

Former Member

TW - ed

I don't know exactly but my body shape has changed a bit and a lot of my stuff doesn't fit properly or how it's supposed to so that it's either just uncomfortable or looks weird or makes it more obvious that things have changed

I don't know what to do because I hate all my clothes and it's hard trying to choose what to wear because nothing suits me and my view of myself is really distorted that just nothing makes me happy. I just want to get rid of everything and start over which I know is a waste but I just hate everything that I wear... If I get something new then the whole clothing size stuff will trigger me because it's stupid how everything is sized differently, and then it probably won't fit again because like recovery changes and stuff whatever, so I don't know if it's worth it as well, but I don't know how else to cope with it before I just want to rip up everything in frustration.

Sorry it was such a rant.

Former Member

Hello @saffjxde

I'm very sorry you've been going through this and I'm glad you reached out to the community for help. It sounds like the situation is extremely overwhelming for you and it's understandable that you might find sizes and new clothes distressing at this point in your recovery.

You shouldn't feel sorry for ranting, this is a safe space for you to get comfort and help from peers. Are you looking for any particular advice or help in regards to your eating disorder at the moment?
In the meantime, here is a link to an association who you'd be able to contact for body image issues
National Centre for Eating Disorders provide support and information about all aspects of eating disorders and body image issues. They also support carers of those with an eating disorder. They also offer access to a network of professional counsellors at a fee. You can call 0845 838 2040 or 01372 439184 Monday and Friday 9:30am-5pm, Tuesday and Thursdays 9am-5pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm. You can visit their website at www.eating-disorders.org.uk

Former Member

@genderless_fungi Thanks for listening aha.... I don't really know I think I was just having a bad time with body image. I don't know really where the best place for advice is because I've been trying to get the right support for a long time and obviously I appreciate that there is high demand and stuff but it's hard to know what to do in the meantime. But the discussions here are really nice and supportive which i think is helpful for me sometimes, even if it is just to rant a little bit.

Former Member

As someone who has recently finished treatment for an ED I can confidently say that you are not alone with this. I have been experiencing the same feelings. Shopping has been very triggering for me recently and I have been holding onto my old ED clothes. What has worked for me is online shopping. There is no stress or pressure especially in public. You can order from a place that makes you feel comfortable and order as many sizes as you want. It is important to remember that clothing sizes are evil, every store makes their clothes differently and DO NOT follow the same sizing. The number of size doesn't define you as a person, it is completely meaningless. If anything the differences in clothing sizes across shops is a reflection of them as a company not a reflection of you. I used to cry when I was trying on clothes in the middle of recovery as my body had obviously changed which I now realise was for the better. I realised that my body is beautiful no matter what size the clothes are, it's just a number and these numbers should never define us.

I hope that my experience has helped you in some way

Sending lots of love

Diddy456