How To Recover From Eating Disorders

Eating disorders have devastating consequences. They can permanently damage the brain and body. In fact, they’re one of the deadliest mental illnesses—getting help is the most important thing you can do. While it’s a long journey, healing is possible. Recovering from an eating disorder looks different for everyone, but they all have a few core principles in common.

Recovery from an eating disorder can be lonely and challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Share your journey with trusted friends and family members who can provide emotional support when you need it most. Trusting others with the knowledge of what you’ve been going through is a huge step in the right direction.

How To Begin Recovery From An Eating Disorder

Recognize the problem

The first and most crucial step in recovering from an eating disorder is acknowledging that you have an illness. Often, people with eating disorders may be in denial or unaware of the severity of their condition. In fact, because of nutrient deficiencies, it may be hard for their brains to even recognize they’re engaging in unhealthy behaviors. Once you admit to yourself that you have an illness that needs healing, you can bring trusted people in to help support you.

Rely on a support network

Recovery from an eating disorder can be lonely and challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Share your journey with trusted friends and family members who can provide emotional support when you need it most. Trusting others with the knowledge of what you’ve been going through is a huge step in the right direction. Consider joining support groups where you can connect with others who are on their own paths to recovery.

Establish a routine

Healing takes time. Thinking in smaller steps makes it easier: take it one day at a time. Creating a structured daily routine can give you stability and a sense of control during your recovery process. Aim to set regular mealtimes, prioritize your self-care, and keep a consistent sleep schedule.

Be kind to yourself

Throughout the recovery process, you may occasionally stumble. Understand that setbacks and relapses can happen, and they don’t define your progress or your worth. Recovery is not a linear path; it has ups and downs. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend facing difficulty. Try practicing mindfulness and meditation to regulate your emotions and get in tune with your breath and body. Appreciate yourself for working toward recovery.

What are your treatment options?

Medical treatment

Depending on the severity of the health issues caused by your eating disorder, you may need to see a doctor who can monitor you. Your body may be suffering from the lack of nutrients and your vital signs may need to be monitored and blood levels tested. This medical treatment may include hospitalization or partial hospitalization so that you can receive more intensive targeted care.

Nutrition therapy

One of the most important hurdles in recovering from an eating disorder is reincorporating food into your life in a healthy way. In nutrition therapy, you work with a dietitian to come up with meal plans you can effectively stick to. They’ll incorporate your food preferences and teach you about healthy eating habits.

Psychotherapy

Many people suffering from eating disorders benefit from approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based treatment (FBT). Therapeutic approaches that target eating disorders work to change the behaviors and thoughts around food and address underlying negative thought patterns. You may also be prescribed medications to coincide with therapy, such as antidepressants.

You might not yet know what eating disorder recovery looks like for you, and that’s okay. Talking to a therapist can help you determine what you need on your road to recovery. Together you’ll work on a personalized treatment plan that will give you a foundation for healthy living and eating again.

To find out more about how eating disorder therapy can help you recover from an eating disorder, please reach out to us.