Eating disorder recovery is challenging and it’s not one-size-fits-all. Recovery is often thought of as nonlinear because individuals sometimes don’t follow a predetermined path and may find themselves taking one step forward and two steps back. While this aspect of recovery can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that the correct path to recovery is the exact path that we are on. By not comparing ourselves to others in recovery or wishing we had an easier path, we can focus our efforts on healing and mending our relationship with food and body.
An eating disorder relapse is characterized by any return to eating disorder behaviors and symptoms. Common examples of returning to eating disorder behaviors include skipping meals, counting calories, or measuring weight. Warning signs of an impending relapse include:
Signs that an individual is in a relapse include:
The truth is, relapse is incredibly common in eating disorder recovery. While relapse is a major interruption to recovery, individuals are typically able to overcome relapse, manage their eating habits, and return to recovery. Relapse does not mean the end of recovery.
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 individuals are more likely to experience relapse than others. Risk factors of relapse include:
An important step in recovery is the acknowledgment that relapse is possible. The sooner an individual understands that the sooner they can address it with their treatment team. By acknowledging and addressing the potential for relapse early in the recovery process, it’s possible that individuals may prevent a relapse from developing into a full-blown eating disorder.
It’s recommended that those in recovery speak to their treatment team about a relapse plan. This plan can include a list of who to reach out to for support or available treatment options.
If you are concerned about relapse in recovery, having a plan in place is important. In addition, the process of developing a plan may ease anxiety and lessen the chance or severity of a relapse. Here are the five most important things you can do:
Are you or a loved one experiencing an eating disorder? Are you or a loved one currently experiencing relapse in recovery? Reaching out for help is not easy, but we hope you know The Emily Program is here when you are ready. We offer warm care for individuals at all stages in recovery and to those experiencing relapse. Call us at 1-888-364-5977 or find us online.
Keel, P.K., Dorer, D.J., Franko, D.L., Jackson, S.C., and Herzog, D.B. (2005). Post-remission predictors of relapse in women with eating disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(12), 2263-2268. [A nine-year follow-up study].
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