Worried about Relapse?
Eating disorder recovery is challenging, and it’s never one-size-fits-all. Recovery isn’t linear because healing is a deeply personal process that happens in waves, not all at once. Making real, human progress takes time and effort. It’s common to take one step forward and two steps back.
Sometimes, old behaviors return in the form of a lapse or relapse. While this aspect of recovery can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that the “correct” path to recovery is the one that you’re already on. The more you can let go of comparing yourself to others or wishing for a smoother journey, the more you can truly and meaningfully focus on healing and mending your relationship with food and body.
What Can a Relapse Look Like?
An eating disorder relapse is a return to eating disorder behaviors and symptoms after a period of progress in recovery. Common examples include skipping meals, counting calories, or frequently weighing yourself.
Warning signs of an impending relapse include (but are not limited to):
- Negative self-talk and persistent critical thoughts
- Frequent body checking, such as weighing yourself or scrutinizing your appearance in the mirror
- Increased thoughts about eating, food, or body image
- Isolating or withdrawing from others
- Deviating from a set meal plan
- Developing rigid eating habits
Signs that an individual is in a relapse include:
- Restricting food intake
- Binge eating
- Purging
- Compulsively exercising
- Restrictive dieting
- and more
How Many People Experience Relapse?
The fact of the matter is this: Relapse is incredibly common in eating disorder recovery. But (and this is crucial to remember), a relapse does not mean the end of recovery.
While relapse can feel like a major setback, with support and self-compassion, individuals can (and do) find their footing and re-engage with recovery, often with greater clarity of what they need.
A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that around 35% of those in recovery from anorexia and bulimia will experience a relapse. In addition, the National Eating Disorders Collaboration states that certain factors may increase a person’s risk of relapse.
Common relapse risk factors include:
- Length of illness. The longer someone has lived with an eating disorder, the more likely they are to relapse in recovery.
- Where treatment occurred. Individuals who were treated in a general hospital/clinic are more likely to relapse. However, those who received specialized care in an eating disorder treatment center are less likely to relapse during recovery.
- Anxiety or obsessive tendencies. People with co-occurring anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts (especially related to food, weight, or appearance) may be more vulnerable to relapse. Ongoing mental health support is key to properly and productively addressing negative thought patterns while in eating disorder recovery.
- Lack of community or connections. Social isolation can be a barrier to recovery. A strong support system offers acceptance, support, accountability, and motivation, all of which help protect against relapse.
Preemptively Addressing Eating Disorder Relapse
One of the most important and often hardest parts of recovery is acknowledging that relapse is possible. Accepting this means being prepared. The sooner someone in recovery can talk with their treatment team about what to look out for and how to respond, the better able they are to protect their progress and prevent a full return of their eating disorder. A relapse plan can include a list of treatment options available to you, as well as people to reach out to for support.
What to Do if You Are Worried About a Relapse
If you’re concerned about relapse in your recovery, having a plan in place is incredibly important. Sometimes just the process of developing a plan may ease anxiety and even lessen the chance or severity of a relapse.
Here are the five most important things you can do:
1. Talk about it. Have a conversation with your treatment team or therapist about relapse. Share your concerns, anxieties, and questions honestly. Opening up about the potential for relapse can help you feel more supported and allow your treatment team to help you prepare.
2. Make your plan known. It’s not enough to create a clear relapse plan if you don’t also share this plan with someone close to you. This plan should include what you’ll do, who you’ll talk to, and how you’ll get help. For example, “If I find myself relapsing into old behaviors, no matter how small, I’m going to tell my therapist, reach out to and share with a friend, and make sure I continue to follow my meal plan.”
3. Understand the importance of early intervention. The sooner you’re able to intervene during a relapse, the faster and easier it will be to get your recovery back on track.
4. Find an accountability partner. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or loved one for help in interrupting a relapse. Task them to have a conversation with you immediately if they notice any concerning changes in your behavior, eating, or personality. It can be hard to recognize or admit when you’re starting to relapse, which is why having someone by your side to hold you accountable can be a valuable safety net.
5. Know returning to treatment is okay. We can’t stress this enough: returning to treatment or experiencing a relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed in recovery. It makes you brave. Many people return to treatment more than once. And that’s okay! The important thing is getting the support you need when you need it. Recovery is possible for everyone, no matter your age, gender, background, or how many setbacks you’ve faced along the way.
Are you or a loved one experiencing an eating disorder or relapse symptoms in recovery? Reaching out for help isn’t always easy, but The Emily Program is here when you’re ready. We understand the non-linear nature of healing and offer warm care for individuals at all stages of recovery, including those experiencing relapse. Call us at 1-888-272-0746 or fill out our online form.