How Do I Know I am Ready to Mentor Other Individuals In Eating Disorder Recovery?

Let’s be real. Recovering from an eating disorder is a challenging reality that countless individuals face on a daily basis. Many people sadly struggle in silence for years on end before speaking out about the help they are desperately needing for recovery and healing.

From the outside, eating disorders are diseases that are sorely misunderstood. Partially due to lack of education, general misunderstanding, and stigmas that are often created and circulated by the media.

Eating disorders are too often watered down to be nothing more than diseases of “vanity”. These type of stigmas further isolate those who are suffering, making it more challenging to reach out for the help that is needed.

Connecting With Those Who Have Walked the Path

It is not uncommon for those who are in recovery from an eating disorder to want to give back to the community in some shape or fashion like being able to mentor others. Perhaps it is because of the deep sense of empathy and compassion that is felt or the understanding that comes with having walked a similar path.

Many professionals who end up dedicating their careers to the eating disorder community have recovered from an eating disorder or have been touched by an eating disorder in some past experience. Whatever the reason may be, individuals in recovery have an ability to connect with those who may be struggling with an eating disorder.

On the other side of things, eating disorder sufferers may feel more connected to a person who understands the struggle they are facing or simply knowing that someone else has been through similar experiences and has been able to come out on the other side. The process of overcoming an eating disorder is an arduous journey, and wanting to give back and help others is a natural result of recovery.

Knowing When the Time is Right to Mentor Others

It is important to be in the right state when considering mentoring another individual in their own recovery, specifically if you yourself have been through the recovery process.

Being able to mentor others is a noble and important responsibility, one that should not be taken lightly.

When you yourself are also in recovery, it is important to examine where you are. Have your eating disorder behaviors been in remission for a significant amount of time? Do you have your own support system in place? Are you able to recognize red flags in your own recovery?

Because eating disorders are chronic diseases, it is crucial to be able to maintain a level of stability before considering mentoring another person. Talk with your own support team when you are considering this, and be sure you have you have the necessary means to offer this to another person.

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 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 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 September 13, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com