Dangers of Being Overconfident in Eating Disorder Recovery

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

When it comes to recovering from an eating disorder, being overconfident in one’s efforts is not necessarily the first word that would come to mind in describing the journey. In fact, it is often quite the opposite.

Many individuals who are fighting for their lives in eating disorder recovery often feel a array of emotions, none which are remotely close to confidence: shame, guilt, frustration, anger, self-doubt, confusion, sadness, and more.

The good news is that with persistence and dedication, a person recovering from an eating disorder is often able to get to a point in which many of these emotions are diminished. Confidence is slowly built as obstacles are overcome and resilience is strengthened.

Overconfidence in the Recovery Process

Some of the potential dangers in recovery include having the mentality that everything is completely “fine” or that help is no longer necessary. After having sustained remission in recovery for some period of time or transitioning from a higher level of care to a less acute form of treatment, some individuals may fall into a pattern of thinking that the hardest part is over and that life can resume as it always did. Eating disorder recovery however, is an ongoing process, one that requires ongoing vigilance and determination to stay on top of a disease that is chronic by nature.

Having confidence in oneself is something that should be strived for and celebrated. When confidence leads to unwillingness to seek help or the guidance of others who love, care, and understand, than this can become dangerous.

The individuals who are strongest in their recovery are those who can humbly ask for and receive help and support, even when things seem to be sailing smoothly. Because eating disorders are the result of biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors, there will always be ways in which a person can become triggered or susceptible to relapse.

Striving For Community and Support

Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of recovery is staying connected to community and support. Even if you have been in recovery for a significant length of time, make active strides to keep yourself accountable and supported throughout your recovery journey. By doing so, you are building a foundation that will allow you to maintain your eating disorder recovery for a lifetime.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What do you think about the possible dangers of being overconfident in recovery?

About the Author: 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 Director of Content and Social Media 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 October 21, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com