What Does Eating Disorder Recovery Look Like?
Eating disorder recovery is a complex journey that goes beyond just addressing challenges related to eating behaviour and perceived body image. It involves a holistic approach that encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. If you have a loved one on the path to recovery, it’s crucial to understand the various signs that indicate recovery. In this article, we will explore what eating disorder recovery may look like and how you can identify these positive changes in your loved one.
One of the primary indicators of recovery is the normalisation of eating patterns.
This involves your loved one exhibiting decreased levels of distress around mealtime, embracing regular and balanced meals, as well as breaking free from any restrictive habits.
That is, a person in recovery may demonstrate a more relaxed and flexible attitude toward food, allowing them to enjoy meals with a reduced sense of guilt or anxiety.
Eating disorders are typically associated with difficulty in emotion regulation.
Therefore, one way to conceptualise recovery would be that your loved one may improve their emotion regulation skills around periods of high stress or anxiety. This may allow them to engage in coping mechanisms that do not contribute towards harmful eating behaviours or perceptions of their body image.
Recovery involves a shift in perception towards one’s body. Individuals in recovery may gradually develop a more positive body image, accepting and appreciating their bodies for what they are and what they do for them.
This shift is important towards fostering self-love, potentially contributing towards reducing the influence of societal pressures related to what foods should be eaten and how one should physically present themselves.
A significant aspect of eating disorder recovery is the restoration of physical health. This involves achieving and maintaining an objectively healthy weight, addressing any potential nutritional deficiencies, as well as improving overall well-being.
Regular medical check-ups from a general practitioner are one route towards providing insights into the positive changes in physical health.
One of the key signs of recovery is a diminishing preoccupation with weight, shape, size, and food. As your loved one progresses, you will likely notice a shift in focus from obsessive thoughts about their physical appearance and the food they consume, to a more balanced and nuanced perspective on life.
This preoccupation may never fully diminish, however, developing helpful coping mechanisms with the aid of a mental health support team may provide a sense of solace in navigating any harmful thoughts that may arise.
A person on the path to recovery may begin to re-engage with social activities and become more spontaneous. Social connection plays a vital role in the recovery process, and an increase in social interactions signifies a positive shift towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Although solace may be found in spending time with close family and friends, alone time may be beneficial. Therefore, it is important to check in about who your loved one feels most comfortable spending time with – themselves or others.
Recovery equips individuals with new coping mechanisms to navigate life’s challenges. As your loved one progresses, you’ll observe increased resilience and the ability to effectively cope with stressors, anxiety, and various life challenges without resorting to harmful eating behaviours. Whilst coping strategies are a beneficial tool, your loved one may sometimes feel too distressed to practice them. This process, however, may be aided with the support of a mental health care team, such as a psychologist. As a caregiver, remaining patient and providing a safe space in which these strategies can be exercised is important.
An essential aspect of maintaining recovery is developing a deeper understanding of oneself. This self-awareness allows individuals to identify triggers, understand their emotions, and make conscious choices that support their well-being.
This insight serves as a foundation for long-term recovery and helps prevent relapse. Developing such an understanding is progressive and, such development may occur throughout their lifetime.
Recovery involves learning to navigate life’s uncertainties with flexibility and adaptability. Individuals in recovery may become more open to change, resilient in the face of challenges, and capable of adjusting to different circumstances without resorting to harmful behaviours. This is also a progressive skill and one that takes great strength to execute, greatly aided by the support of a patient, understanding, and resourceful caregiver.
Recognising the signs of eating disorder recovery involves looking beyond surface-level changes. It’s about observing shifts in attitudes, behaviours, and overall well-being. By understanding these markers, you can better support your loved one on their journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Remember, recovery is a unique and ongoing process, and each person’s journey is different. Be patient, supportive, and celebrate the progress – no matter how small.
Please note that a question form is available, should you have any questions regarding the community, as well as mental health support services offered by the Eating Disorder Families Australia organisation. It can be accessed here: https://edfa.org.au/contact-us/
