General Article How can I stop an eating disorder relapse?

Topic Selected: Eating Disorders Book Volume: 390

Dipping back into old, problematic behaviours can suck when you’re in recovery for an eating disorder but relapses are common and are nothing to be ashamed of.

What is a relapse?

A relapse is when a person in recovery declines after a period of improvement. With an eating disorder this can mean that disordered thoughts and behaviours start to return.

What are the warning signs?

The warning signs of a relapse include:

  • Dishonesty: If you’re starting to bargain with yourself when it comes to eating patterns or you’re beginning to twist the truth to those around you then you may be trying to rationalise disordered thoughts.
  • Feeling guilty: Eating disorders can often stem from negative feelings towards yourself, your situation and what you’re eating. A big part of recovery is learning how to deal with these negative thought patterns. If you are struggling, speak to your GP, therapist or whoever is supporting your recovery.
  • Isolation: Starting to feel depressed or withdrawn from those ar...

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