Blog Post #5

 

Recovery is an essential process for someone with anorexia to go through. The journey of recovery can be scary and overwhelming to someone struggling with this disease, but no one has to go through it alone. Support can play a critical role in someone with a mix of both personal and professional support. A lot of people think that recovery happens when someone gains more weight and looks “normal,” but it is a lot more than that. It involves rebuilding a healthy relationship with food, reconnecting with self-worth, and rediscovering joy in life.

 

Recovery looks different for every individual. The start is by acknowledging that something is wrong and that your behaviors and weight are not normal. This realization often causes fear, shame, confusion, or even more denial. Realizing that you need help and seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.

 

Professional treatment is an important step in recovery. Typically, a combination of therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring is the most successful and safe for an individual to have for a long-term recovery. Common types of treatment include Cognitive behavioral therapy and family-based treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy has the strongest evidence base for individuals or adults, while family-based treatment has the strongest evidence base for adolescents and young adults living with parents (Eddy, 2022).

 

Another important step is to build a strong support network. Friends and family can be people to lean on to offer love and accountability throughout and after the process of recovery. There are also many support groups, both online and in person, that create a safe space for sharing. Individuals can share their struggles, celebrate victories, and gather knowledge and advice from others going through the same thing as themselves. These support networks an individual builds can be so important to encourage someone in recovery and to help keep them accountable.

 

It is important to acknowledge that recovery will not always be a linear process. Some days will be much harder than others. Relapsing can and will happen. This does not mean failure, and choosing to begin the steps of recovery again and incorporating more support means you are reaching another small victory. Giving yourself compassion, being kind to yourself even on the hard days, and celebrating progress no matter how small can help build back hope and confidence.

 

If you or someone you love is struggling with anorexia, know that recovery is possible. With the correct guidance, support, and patience, healing can happen. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself or others, as there is so much strength and bravery in doing so. There is a healthier, more full life waiting for someone beyond this disorder.

 

 

References

 

Eddy, K. T. (2022). Anorexia Nervosa: What is it, Treatment, and Recovery. YouTube.          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8ahPS3vkAY