Beginning Recovery from an Eating Disorder

When someone is recovering from an eating disorder, some might assume that the negative thoughts and harmful behaviors have ended, and the person is cured and will never have thoughts about it again. But like any other mental health condition, the recovery from an eating disorder is never that simple. Weight restoration and eating normally is only a part of it because recovery goes much deeper. Know and remind yourself that the eating disorder is not something that you chose. It is an illness, and it was out of your control. But now you are choosing to be brave and recover from it, even though your mind may tell you otherwise.

Also remember that each person’s story of recovery and their definition of it is both unique and personal to them. It is now known that eating disorders affect many people of different races, backgrounds and genders. Not just thin, white, cisgender women.

When considering recovery, some might find it difficult to think of a good reason to go through with it. After all, this is the one thing that has made you feel more in control of your life. The most important thing to keep in mind, though, is that you should get professional help if you really want to succeed at recovery.

What ‘Recovery’ Means

Recovery can have various meanings for each person, depending on the individual. For some, it can mean reducing or ending their destructive behaviors such as restricting food, bingeing and/or purging, or exercising excessively. For others it can also include them ending their thoughts of self-hatred, negative self-talk, feelings of guilt, and fear that link with the disorder.

It will be a rough road to recovery, and it will take time and effort to reach the destination. While there will be times when you will relapse during the recovery process, the number of times it happens is irrelevant. What is important is that you continue to believe in yourself and know that you can always pick yourself back up and start again. While studies have shown that the sooner you begin treatment for your eating disorder the sooner you can recover, keep in mind that anyone can recover, regardless of how long they have been struggling with it.

Reasons to Recover

While someone with an eating disorder may want to recover, they may not understand what the benefits are and how great recovery can be. The behaviors that are connected to the eating disorder are their way of dealing with underlying problems or emotional pain. When it seems like their life is out of control, the disorder can help them feel as if they have a sense of control.

Listed below are some significant reasons to choose recovery and no longer let your eating disorder consume your life:

• You no longer need to feel sad, live in fear or not like yourself.
• You will not let your actions or moods be consumed by the number that appears on the scale or the amount of calories that you ate.
• You will finally start to feel comfortable with your body.
• You will have energy to do things you enjoy once again.
• You will reconnect with friends and family, no longer feeling alone or isolated.
• You won’t constantly be thinking about food or worry about what you look like.
• And best of all, you will no longer be living a ‘secret life.’

Self-Help Tools

When beginning recovery, it is important to first get professional help and support. But along with the help of professionals, you could take advantage of some self-help tools.

Write things down in a recovery journal.

This can be a great tool for your recovery, helping to record your thoughts and feelings, reasons you want to recover, the impact that your eating disorder has had on your life, your plans for your life in the future, and anything else that you think will keep you motivated on your journey to recovery.

Surround yourself with people who will support you.

When going through recovery, it is important to be around people who are comfortable with themselves and will not be constantly talking about dieting, exercising, and body image. You want to be around people that will help you feel comfortable with yourself and your recovery, and by doing so you will reduce your chances of relapsing.

Connect with those who are recovered or in recovery.

When you are around those who understand what you are going through and are also making progress with their eating disorder, it can help you stay motivated and inspired to continue your own recovery. Joining a support group is a great idea and will help you meet people that are going through a lot of the same things that you are.

Get into a hobby.

A great way to stay focused on your recovery is to pick up a hobby, whether you try something new or you get back into a hobby that you loved doing before the eating disorder. You can take up a dance class, take an art class, or try your hand at writing. There are many options, and if you have something that you enjoy focusing your energy on, then staying on the road to recovery will be a little easier.

Through eating disorder recovery, learn to love yourself.

When you are recovering, one of the most important aspects is learning to love yourself. You need to heal yourself from the inside out and realize that nothing nor no one is perfect. You will go through the motions that come with recovery, but you will discover new things about yourself and realize that you are no longer consumed by your mental illness of the eating disorder, you can chase your dreams and be passionate about life. You can finally live your life free, love being alive, and remember how good it feels to not just exist anymore, but truly live. The road will be long and difficult at times, but the more you heal yourself the easier it will be, and you will see that in the end, recovery is truly worth it.