Preparing for Eating Disorder Treatment: 10 Essential Travel Tips
By: Katrina LoBue and Julia Shuster, Alsana
Congratulations on taking a courageous step by reaching out for support! Beginning the journey to eating disorder treatment is incredibly brave, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the process. With some tools and support, the journey to treatment can feel more manageable.
1. “Why” List
After setting a date to arrive at treatment and before diving into logistics or packing, take a piece of paper and jot down your reasons for seeking treatment. Whether it’s reclaiming your health, rebuilding relationships, or finding joy in life again, having a list of motivations can serve as a powerful reminder of why this journey is essential for you.
After setting a date to arrive at treatment and before diving into logistics or packing, take a piece of paper and jot down your reasons for seeking treatment. Whether it’s reclaiming your health, rebuilding relationships, or finding joy in life again, having a list of motivations can serve as a powerful reminder of why this journey is essential for you.
2. Review the Treatment Center’s Guidelines, Photos and Resources
Check the treatment center’s photos, guidelines and care team’s bios. Knowing in advance what to expect, what to bring and what not to bring can alleviate last-minute stress. At Alsana’s eating disorder treatment programs, they provide clients with individual virtual tour experiences prior to coming and send photos of the program.
Communicate any concerns related to travel logistics or finances with your admissions contact. Treatment programs often have resources that may be helpful, such as Alsana’s Transitional Recovery Coach to support clients on their journey to treatment. Remember that admissions counselors have experience with a variety of situations, so they may have useful ideas for you!
3. Lean on Your Support System
Call a friend, family member, coach, or members of your support group while you pack. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can provide comfort and reassurance, reminding you that you have a network rooting for you. Don’t forget, the ANAD Helpline and Support Groups are always here for you!
Call a friend, family member, coach, or members of your support group while you pack. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can provide comfort and reassurance, reminding you that you have a network rooting for you. Don’t forget, the ANAD Helpline and Support Groups are always here for you!
4. Take Breaks as Needed
As you gather your items, it’s okay to pause and take moments to breathe. Check in with yourself and ask what you may need. Use grounding techniques to bring you back to your “why,” whether through deep breathing, counting, or focusing on your senses.
As you gather your items, it’s okay to pause and take moments to breathe. Check in with yourself and ask what you may need. Use grounding techniques to bring you back to your “why,” whether through deep breathing, counting, or focusing on your senses.
5. There’s No Pressure to Pack “Perfectly”
It’s common to forget things, and it’s usually no big deal. Most treatment programs allow you to have items shipped to you or ordered online. If packing feels daunting, start with the essentials (phone, wallet, medication, etc.) and know that most things can be figured out later. If you’re flying, consider bringing travel-sized items and ordering more as needed.
It’s common to forget things, and it’s usually no big deal. Most treatment programs allow you to have items shipped to you or ordered online. If packing feels daunting, start with the essentials (phone, wallet, medication, etc.) and know that most things can be figured out later. If you’re flying, consider bringing travel-sized items and ordering more as needed.
6. Pack for Comfort
Include items that soothe you, such as a favorite book, journal, or something that reminds you of safety and security. Also, pack comfortable clothing that makes you feel good. These comforts can provide a sense of stability during your transition.
Include items that soothe you, such as a favorite book, journal, or something that reminds you of safety and security. Also, pack comfortable clothing that makes you feel good. These comforts can provide a sense of stability during your transition.
7. Create a Day-of Itinerary
Create a travel itinerary ahead of admit day, including check-ins with your support system, scheduled meals/snacks, mindfulness or grounding breaks, and reminders of coping skills. This plan can offer structure and calm any nervous energy.
Create a travel itinerary ahead of admit day, including check-ins with your support system, scheduled meals/snacks, mindfulness or grounding breaks, and reminders of coping skills. This plan can offer structure and calm any nervous energy.
8. Make a Playlist
Music can be a powerful tool as you travel. If you have songs that comfort you or remind you why you’re choosing recovery, compile them in a playlist and have them ready for your trip. Download the songs in case you don’t have access to service or Wi-Fi (like on a plane or driving in remote areas).
Music can be a powerful tool as you travel. If you have songs that comfort you or remind you why you’re choosing recovery, compile them in a playlist and have them ready for your trip. Download the songs in case you don’t have access to service or Wi-Fi (like on a plane or driving in remote areas).
9. Back to the “Why”
It’s normal to have doubts and fears on your journey. Practice self-compassion as these feelings arise. Use the coping skills listed in your itinerary, and bring yourself back to the “why” list you created.
It’s normal to have doubts and fears on your journey. Practice self-compassion as these feelings arise. Use the coping skills listed in your itinerary, and bring yourself back to the “why” list you created.
10. Write “Open When” Letters
Some people find it helpful to write “Open When___” letters to themselves. For example, “Open When: I’m feeling nervous,” “Open When: It’s my first night,” “Open When: I’m having a rough day,” or “Open When: I’m making progress.” Writing these letters can help process your emotions, and they’ll serve as a source of encouragement later. You can also ask someone close to you to contribute letters.
Some people find it helpful to write “Open When___” letters to themselves. For example, “Open When: I’m feeling nervous,” “Open When: It’s my first night,” “Open When: I’m having a rough day,” or “Open When: I’m making progress.” Writing these letters can help process your emotions, and they’ll serve as a source of encouragement later. You can also ask someone close to you to contribute letters.
Remember, traveling for treatment is a brave step toward reclaiming your life and well-being. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, but know that you are not alone on this journey. Each step you take is a testament to your strength and commitment to healing. Embrace the support around you, trust the process, and allow yourself the grace to feel and grow. Your recovery is worth it, and brighter days are ahead. You’ve got this!
Post by: Katrina LoBue and Julia Shuster
