How to achieve lasting anorexia recovery

Anorexia nervosa — commonly referred to as anorexia — is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight. This fear causes people to severely restrict the amount they eat. Left untreated, anorexia can lead to many serious health complications, and it has the second-highest mortality rate of any mental health condition.

Anorexia is one of the most challenging mental health conditions to recover from. This is likely due to a combination of individual and cultural factors related to unrealistic beauty standards and idealized body types.

However, thanks to recent advances in treatment, recovery from anorexia is possible. So if you’re experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, know that with the right support, you can heal your relationship with food and work toward the healthy future you deserve.

Recognizing a problem and receiving a diagnosis

If you close your eyes and imagine someone with anorexia, who do you think of? Most people would  probably picture someone who’s very underweight, which isn’t necessarily incorrect. However, eating disorders don’t always look the same on the outside, and they don’t take hold overnight.

While a person’s body size and appearance can give some clues about their overall well-being, they don’t always tell the full story. So if you’re worried about your eating habits, one of the best things you can do is seek help from a mental health professional. This will help ensure that you get an accurate diagnosis and the right help for your symptoms.

When you first meet with a therapist, they’ll ask a series of questions to get to know you better. They’ll want to know about your health and personal history, as well as some details about your eating habits and symptoms.

Understandably, this might be difficult to talk about at first. But remember that this person is there to help you. Once they have a clearer picture of your needs, you’ll work on creating a treatment plan together. This will likely involve collaboration with other professionals, like a doctor and nutritionist.

The process of recovering from anorexia

The journey of recovering from anorexia is unique to each person affected by the condition. But experts cite six stages that most people experience throughout the recovery process.

1. Precontemplation: You don’t see any problem with your eating habits, and you might get annoyed if anyone suggests otherwise.
2. Contemplation: You begin to acknowledge that something is wrong. A small part of you thinks you may need help for an eating disorder, but you’re not really sure you want to take that step yet.
3. Preparation: You’re ready to acknowledge that your symptoms are concerning, and you’re worried things could get worse if you don’t make a change.
4. Action: You might be nervous, but you’re ready to take concrete steps toward seeking treatment and actively engaging in care.
5. Maintenance: You’ve applied what you’ve learned in treatment and changed your eating behavior. You know relapse is possible, but you’re committed to ongoing recovery.
6. Termination: You’ve been without anorexia symptoms for some time. You might need to continue receiving support, but you feel hopeful and confident about the future.

What does anorexia recovery look like?

Anorexia recovery looks different for everyone. As you move through the stages of recovery, keep in mind that this isn’t a straightforward or linear process. There will most likely be some ups and downs along the way, and relapse is common. But what’s most important is that you respond to setbacks in ways that help you stay committed to your well-being.

While it’s not impossible to achieve recovery on your own, most people with anorexia need ongoing professional help to maintain their mental and physical health. So throughout this time, it’s critical to stay connected to your treatment providers and any other supportive resources that can help you stay on track.

Helpful advice for maintaining anorexia recovery

Eating disorders like anorexia are chronic illnesses that can be challenging to live with and treat. But research shows that most people with anorexia can achieve recovery over time. You can play an active role in your treatment by following through with the guidance provided by your therapist, nutritionist, and doctor.

But self-care is also important, and the following tips can help you maintain your mental and physical health throughout the recovery process:

• Avoid feeling isolated by spending time with friends and loved ones.
• Consider joining a support group to meet other people who know what you’re going through.
• Continue going to therapy and doctor’s appointments, even if you start feeling better.
• Be sure you’re receiving treatment for any co-occurring conditions you may have.
• Create a relapse prevention and response plan with your therapist.
• Identify your triggers, and create a list of coping strategies to help you manage them.
• Make time for hobbies and activities that rejuvenate you and lift your spirits.
• Practice self-compassion, and remember that recovery is a lifelong process.
• Honor successes and wins, no matter how small.

Find care with Rula

If you think you might be living with an eating disorder like anorexia, know that you’re not alone. While asking for help can be challenging, it’s one of the first and most important steps you can take in achieving lasting recovery. Remember, anorexia is a treatable condition, and you can heal your relationship with food and your body with the right support.

When you need help for an eating disorder, Rula will be there to help you find the right therapist for your needs. In just a few minutes, you can explore our extensive network to find a therapist who takes your insurance and offers the specialty care you deserve. With our digital platform, you can make your first appointment as early as this week and connect with your provider from the comfort of home.

Find a therapist with Rula