Personal Note: Time Out

~ Julie de Rohan, eatonomy®

“The most valuable thing we can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of room, not try to be or do anything whatever.” ― May Sarton

It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

You’d be forgiven for thinking this was an abandoned blog, given the lack of activity in the past few months. I’m sorry I haven’t been around, I hope you’re doing OK.

There’s a very good reason for my absence.

The Coronavirus pandemic has been a challenging time for all of us.

It’s had a significant negative impact on mental health and, as this recent research shows, eating disorders in particular.

Awareness of binge eating disorder has been increasing and, understandably, those affected are reaching out for support.

The UK’s national eating disorder charity reports that calls to their helpline about binge eating have more than tripled in the past 3 years.

As a binge eating disorder specialist, it’s fair to say I’ve been inundated with requests for help over the past year.

I’m grateful to have worked throughout the pandemic, as I know this isn’t the case for everyone, but it’s been full-on.

Really full-on.

So I’m taking a sabbatical until early 2022.

This gives me the chance to have a proper break to recharge.

It also allows me time to complete a larger piece of writing I’ve been working on for quite a while.

I’m aware there are a lot of people struggling with binge eating who want to access the service I provide but can’t because my private practice and my waiting list are full, and have been for some time.

It doesn’t feel good to constantly turn people away, even if I’m signposting them to help elsewhere. While I’m on sabbatical, I’ll be reflecting on how this can be improved, and how I work in general.

Before I go, I want to say thank you to my colleagues at the eating disorder charity for their understanding and support.

A big thank you also to my clients for their patience. It’s a privilege to work with you and I wish you all the best for the coming months.

Just a reminder there’s plenty of material on this site to help you reflect on your eating behaviour so feel free to plunder the archives.

Until I’m back, stay safe and well everyone – let’s hope 2022 is a cracking good year for us all.

With very best wishes,

Julie 🌷

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither”. Alan Cohen

Published by Julie de Rohan, eatonomy®

A binge eating disorder specialist therapist helping people struggling with compulsive eating, emotional eating and binge eating.

48 thoughts on “Personal Note: Time Out”

  2. It definitely sounds very full-on for you, Julie. I often think it’s great when people are busy at work when so many businesses are going under, but this is one instance where the busy-ness isn’t good because it means more people are suffering. I can see how the pandemic will have impacted existing EDs, as well as it creating new ones. It’s a difficult situation all around, which is where people like you come in. The difference you make will be phenomenal, and I hope you know that. It must be gut-wrenching to know you can’t help everyone and that you have to turn some away due to packed out waiting lists, but that’s beyond your control.

    I think a break is a great idea. Please do look after yourself too. I’d love to know what the bigger piece of writing is you’re hoping to work on, that sounds interesting!

    Sending love and best wishes 💜💙💚💛
    Stay safe,
    Caz xxxxx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Caz, it’s so lovely to hear from you, thank you for your comment. I find it upsetting having to turn so many people away and, as you say, it’s indicative of how many people are in need. I love the work I do which is why I’m taking the sabbatical – so I can come back rested and refreshed next year.

      I’ve been working on a research project for some time and I need space to bring it all together which is the other purpose of a sabbatical. Sorry to be a bit cryptic but, hopefully, you’ll find out more in due course!

      But enough about me – hope you’re doing well, look after yourself.

      Like

  6. When I saw your post in my Feed, I thought: “Surely she cannot be taking a break. Wasn’t the last post I read from her about taking a break?” But I’m not surprised that is the case and I understand. I have to say that I am somewhat shocked in regards to your eating disorder statistics, but I guess it makes sense if I think of that. People were complaining about gaining weight two months into the pandemic, let alone now. Thank you for helping others during this hard time but please ensure that you take care of yourself, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. What a slacker I am, eh Sam?! To be fair, I think my last post about taking a break was a year ago. Thank you for your kind words – I’m looking forward to some breathing space and rest. How are things with you?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Some days harder than others but in many respects, I’m so lucky compared to many who’ve lost their lives to Covid. At least, I try and view things that way. The world feels upside down right now. I feel many are not coping well. It’s so troubling. Keep healthy Julie!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Like you, I feel very grateful for the life I have – and very privileged to be able to take time off which I know isn’t an option for many people. It’s such a difficult time so I hope you’re OK, Erin. It’s lovely to hear from you.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Thank you for sharing!!.. hope you have a wonderful break, with each and every day filled with love and happiness!!.. sometimes we need to stop the world and get off for a time to reboot and perhaps enjoy life a bit.. words by Rose Milligan come to mind on occasion.. 🙂

    Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better
    to paint a picture, or write a letter,
    bake a cake, or plant a seed.
    Ponder the difference between want and need.

    Dust if you must, but there is not much time,
    with rivers to swim and mountains to climb!
    Music to hear, and books to read,
    friends to cherish and life to lead.

    Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
    with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
    a flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
    this day will not come round again.

    Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
    old age will come and it’s not kind.
    And when you go, and go you must,
    you, yourself, will make more dust!
    (Rose Milligan)

    Fate be willin’ I shall meet you again next year, until then…
    May flowers always line your path
    and sunshine light your way,
    May songbirds serenade your
    every step along the way,
    May a rainbow run beside you
    in a sky that’s always blue,
    And may happiness fill your heart
    each day your whole life through.
    May the sun shine all day long
    Everything go right, nothing go wrong
    May those you love bring love back to you
    And may all the wishes you wish come true
    (Irish Saying)

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Enjoy your vacation! I totally agree that taking a break is so important for self-care. You have a great blog and I’m so glad I found it.

    I’ve been thinking of doing the same, however, I can’t seem to tear myself away for long enough as my mind seems to pour out blog ideas on a constant basis. It’s exhausting. But I just might need to force myself to take some time away. Have a wonderful and relaxing break and we’ll see you when you return. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Cherie, thank you for your kind words. I’m looking forward to my sabbatical starting properly next week – I’ve had so much to do that it’s been a bit delayed, but the relaxation should begin soon! I hope you manage to find a way to have a break too. Many thanks for your comment, I’m on my way to check out your blog now.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Julie, I had been thinking about you and wondering if this has been more of a challenge during this time. I have to say my own challenges with periodic overeating have come up intermittently during the pandemic. It’s required SO much self-compassion not to be hard on myself over this, and to realize that I’m not alone. Wishing you well. Sabbaticals can be a good way to take pressure off and care for ourselves. By modeling that, you are doing more for others than you know. Be well.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Cristy, and greetings from Berlin. It’s definitely good having some rest and respite. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had some challenges with overeating during this time, but it’s understandable. I love how you say it’s required a lot of self-compassion to help yourself through it. Too often people say they need to get self-control to resolve their issues, when what’s really needed is understanding and self-compassion. I hope you’re doing well, it’s so lovely to hear from you.

      Liked by 2 people

Comments are closed.