Eating Disorder Relapse
In our society, we rely on expressions such as "Rome wasn't build in a day," to serve as reminders of the truth. Obviously this city wasn't built in a day or even a year – it took a significant amount of time. The truth is...most things of great value or import do take time and effort. Recovery from an eating disorder is no different. An occasional slip back into the behavior or total relapse can occur.
But here's another handy phrase: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In eating disorder recovery, relapse prevention is critical. This comes in many forms, such as identifying triggers. A trigger is something in the environment, an individual, a thought, or a situation that prompts a person to return to an eating disorder behavior. By preparing a response in advance, the recovering person will know what to do when faced with a dangerous trigger.
Always keep in mind that recovery from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and compulsive overeating is extremely difficult. Even the most committed person can experience periods of relapse. Don't panic, and especially, don't give up. There is no shame in simply being human.
Remember... Recovery does not happen overnight. If relapse occurs, take a moment to regroup, then return to your recovery plan. Never lose sight of how very far you have come.
Visit the articles library to explore more information on eating disorder recovery and relapse prevention.
Check out The Top Ten Tips for Eating Disorder Recovery to begin or re-establish a plan of action for your recovery.
Articles
Postremission Predictors of Relapse in Women With Eating Disorders
by Pamela K. Keel, Ph.D., David J. Dorer, Ph.D., Debra L. Franko, Ph.D., Safia C. Jackson, B.S., and David B. Herzog, M.D.
Interesting research evaluating patterns and predictors of relapse among women with eating disorders. Seems to suggest that ongoing body image work may be helpful in the prevention of relapse... Read More
Self Soothing Skills: Essential Tool of Recovery, Relapse Prevention and Stabilizing After Relapse
@ Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC (Director @ Eating Disorder Hope)
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and compulsive overeating are complex disorders with many contributing factors. Biological, social, spiritual and physical factors are all involved in the development and continuation of an eating disorder. There are no simple answers to overcoming an eating disorder, but there are many helpful recovery tools that a person can develop to become healthier and to lessen the need to rely on disordered eating behaviors to comfort or distract them from themselves. One significant tool is learning to self soothe oneself...Read More
Resources
Relapse Prevention: Preventing relapse is a critical component for treating anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa(Bulimia.com)
When Relapse Occurs: The road to recovery may be a long one for women with anorexia nervosa. A new study shows about one in three women treated for the eating disorder experience a relapse within two years after being discharged from the hospital(WebMD.com).
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