The recovery phase from eating disorder is a tough phase It doesn't only need follow-up from a specialist, but the support from your environment is also important, and it's good to know there will be times you feel like you're not getting better and this is very normal, so today we'll learn some steps that help in the recovery phase from eating disorder.
The recovery phase might include some symptoms of the eating disorder, for example, those who lost appetite for long times might feel they can't eat three full meals, and here they can replace some meals with light snacks or small meals.
The stage before knowing about eating disorder
This phase starts when you notice an unhealthy relationship with food, and mostly some of your family or friends notice it too, this relationship can be Its symptoms: Eating is very restricted, Binge eating sometimes, being overly concerned about weight and appearance and feeling bad about yourself when your weight changes, and maybe at first you’re in denial about having a problem and refuse help, There are some steps that can help you during this time, which are:
- Don't deny your child’s or friend’s eating disorder.
- Make sure you know the symptoms well.
- Don’t excuse their abnormal eating behaviors.
- Try to share your thoughts with others who have these disorders.
The stage of thinking about eating disorders
This stage is when the patient feels there is a problem to solve and that consulting a specialist is necessary. This stage often needs a specialized psychotherapist. In cases of eating disorders, to identify the reasons that caused the disorder from the start and guide the patient to the right treatment method. Here are some steps that can help you at this stage:
- If the patient is under 18, a nutritionist and a psychologist are needed.
- Educate yourself and read about eating disorders and their treatments.
- Try to be a good listener.
- Don't try too hard.
- Ask for encouragement from everyone around you.
Pre-treatment phase
The preparation phase before starting treatment is important. You begin by learning some skills to help you handle the disorder, find the best effective methods, and understand the possibilities and shocks you'll face. There are some steps that work well during this time:
- If you're supporting a relative in this phase, know exactly what your role is.
- Get to know your thoughts and beliefs about food.
- Ask those around you about their thoughts on the recovery phase.
Food Disorder Treatment Phase
The treatment starts at this stage when you and your follower agree on a treatment plan and know what suits you, then you begin to apply some habits new behaviors and actions, You should trust what you follow to reach your goal, This stage includes some steps which are:
- Follow the treatment phase recommendations completely.
- Get rid of anything that stresses you, like diet foods, the scale, or the measuring tape.
- Stay calm and committed.
- Notice the positive changes happening to you instead of focusing on weight and how much you eat.
The breakdown phase
You need some regular check-ins after finishing treatment, about every 6 months. You should care for and support yourself every once in a while. You can also change your triggers and view of food for a while. This helps avoid relapses and breakdowns. And the steps that help you during this time are:
- Keep adapting to many changes.
- Set your current priorities.
- Keep positive energy in your life.
- Know that you might have some setbacks.
A phase that might happen
When setbacks happen often we might go back to some treatment steps again, and this can happen so don't worry too much, The following questions will help you get through this period:
- Do you have the skills to keep the changes you've made?
- Do you have a plan to prevent setbacks again?
- Are you ready to go through treatment again if needed?
There’s no harm in asking for help. If you need it, you should talk to specialists about your case. Also, eating disorders affect many people, due to the pressure girls face about their weight and shape at this time.
