- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
5 ways to recover from relapse in bulimia recovery
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Experiencing relapse in recovery from bulimia can feel devastating and overwhelming, no matter what point you may be at in your recovery journey.
However, most individuals in recovery from bulimia may not fully understand that relapse is often part of the journey, and having the right tools and resources can help you effectively recover from a relapse episode and get back on your feet and on track. It is often said that recovery is more about the journey itself, not a destination, and understanding this can be helpful in recovering and learning from a relapse episode.
If you have suffered from a relapse in your recovery from bulimia, there are five effective steps you can take to help you get back on track and stay focused on your recovery efforts. Consider the following steps for recovering from relapse in bulimia recovery:
5 Steps to Help You Get Back on Track
- Reach out for help immediately: If you have suffered with a relapse from bulimia, your natural tendency may be to remain isolated in shame and guilt after what you recently experienced. Remember that these patterns and behaviors are deeply connected with your eating disorder, and preventing a relapse to fully escalate out of control can begin with seeking out help and support. Reach out to members from your support group, your treatment team, friends and family that you trust and can confide in. Do not allow yourself to remain isolated from the people who love and care about you.
Remember relapse does not mean you have failed: Often when a relapsed is experienced, it is easy to fall into the mentality of black and white thinking. You may feel that since you have relapsed, it is okay to just throw in the towel and give up on your recovery entirely. Remember that a relapse does not equal failure, and utilize your positive coping skills to prevent this type of thinking.
Remember relapse does not mean you have failed: Often when a relapsed is experienced, it is easy to fall into the mentality of black and white thinking. You may feel that since you have relapsed, it is okay to just throw in the towel and give up on your recovery entirely. Remember that a relapse does not equal failure, and utilize your positive coping skills to prevent this type of thinking.- Take the next best step for your recovery: Whatever you know you need to do next for your recovery, be it following your meal plan, attending your support group, or meeting with your therapist, be sure to take that next step. Again, it can be easy to feel like these efforts are no longer necessary since you have relapsed, but following what you were previously doing is now even more important in recovery.
- Practice self care: It may be a natural tendency to fall back into a trap of negativity and shame after a relapse and to avoid caring for yourself appropriately as a form of punishment. Know that you are worthy and deserving of care and that relapse is a natural part of the process. Be gentle with yourself and extend grace to yourself!
- Reflect on what you have experienced: Though it can be painful to dig back into your relapse episode, take this as an opportunity to learn from your experiences and be further strengthened in your recovery journey. This may be something important to discuss with your therapist/counselor. Was there something that you can identify that may have triggered your relapse episode? What other things may be occurring in your life that may have influenced this relapse? Reflecting on the situation can help you learn and effectively move forward from this occurrence.
Relapses in recovery from bulimia can certainly be discouraging to experience or may perhaps make you feel as though you are not making any success or progress in your recovery journey. However, it is essential to remember that relapse episodes are often a normal and natural part of recovery and being able to learn from these experiences can help strengthen your resolve and determination to continue fighting.
Effectively recovering from bulimia and relapses occurs with the help and support of others, both professionals and loved ones, who can be the source of encouragement you need to continue on through the many challenges that come with recovery.
Community discussion – share your thoughts here!
Have you recovered from bulimia? If so, what helped you work through relapse episodes experienced along your journey?
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on December 19, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
