Recovery

"From the very first step on the path to recovery, just in acknowledging our eating disorder, every one of us in the large, loving, and endearingly dysfunctional beat family have, and continue to, display a level of determination and bravery that is both astonishing and inspiring. I'm not referring to some kind of absolute resolve to beat the eating disorder, or sometimes even to want recovery... To look straight into the face of something as awful as Bulimia, Anorexia, BED, ED-NOS, or any other eating disorder, and have the sheer courage to acknowledge its existence, is itself, a victory of will and human spirit over tremendous horror.

From that day onwards, we have, in our own individual ways, struggled, fell back, felt the desperate pull of our eating disorder, and there is no shame in falling victim, in losing hope, in wishing not to go on. In the darkest of times though, even if the light is kept from our eyes by the dark shroud of our ED, there is a bright future waiting for every one of us, if only we continue to fight. Sometimes simply taking a breath, or taking a bite, is a leap forward in itself, and together, we will win. Happiness is there for all of us  ... together, we can reach out and grasp it. It can be a long, desolate road at times, but with love, hope and the strength that we all possess, we can reach the destination. Keep going, we can do this, and it is absolutely worth it."

Rob - beat Young Ambassador

Recovery booklet

We have developed a booklet with our youth forum, ambassadors and professionals to help you understand recovery and take steps towards it. If you are 25 and under and a resident of the UK we can send this to you for free. All you need to do is click here to go to the post form. If you would prefer to not give your address please download a  copy below or e-mail us (ypf@b-eat.co.uk) and we can e-mail it to you. The cost of the booklet to professionals is £3.99 inc p&p and it can be ordered from our on-line bookshop.

We would love to know what you think of the recovery booklet. If you want to give us some feedback please click here

The Meaning of Recovery.

The Chambers Dictionary states the following

RECOVER to get or find again: to regain: to reclaim: … to bring back: to retrieve: to cure: to revive: to restore: to rescue: to succeed in reaching: to attain: … to regain health or any former state
RECOVERY the act, fact, process, possibility or power of recovering

What does it really mean?
Many people we talk to on the Youthline say that they want to get better but that they don't want to put on weight. One part of recovery is that you no longer feel that putting on weight is a bad thing and that by being a low weight your life will improve. It is also about changing your attitude to food and eating. Another way to look at recovery is to have found different non harmful coping mechanisms for difficult times in your life. It's about getting in touch with yourself - emotions, thoughts and feelings, and being able to be yourself. Any long-term change has to be active - You have to want to do this yourself, no one else can do it for you. You can take control of the situation with the right support and assistance.

Quote

" Hang in there. Believe in yourself. Ask for help and you will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel." 

Possibilties and Motivation.

Is it possible?
 
YES! Recovering from an eating disorder can be a long and difficult process for everyone involved. Some people believe that they will always have to guard against using food in a destructive way, whereas many others know that they will never again be drawn into this type of coping mechanism. Over time it IS possible for you to gain new confidence and begin to realise there are other ways of coping. Recovery takes courage and perseverance. Even if it occasionally feels like it's one step forward, two steps back, recovery is worthwhile and it is possible. Many have done it, succeeded and moved on.
 

Quote

"Recovery isn't easy, I'm so proud I got there."

" Eating is health gain, eating is repairing you inside where you cannot see it "

"Recovering From An Eating Disorder Is Like Riding A Two Wheeled Bicycle For The Very First Time, You Can Fall At Any Point, It Seriously Hurts And Can Actually Knock Your Confidence, But By Getting Up And Back On, You'll Show Your 'Bicycle' Who's Boss And Finally Will You Know How To Ride Like Any 'Normal' Kid."

The Motivational Cycle and the self -talk method.

How do I keep myself motivated?

Everyone who has an eating disorder has negative thoughts about themselves. You may be thinking "The way to change how I feel about myself is to change my body" But this is not a healthy way to change how you feel about yourself. The way to change is by changing what you tell yourself; your thoughts about the way you look and feel. Thoughts trigger feelings; feelings trigger behaviours. When you change your thoughts and feelings you will begin to change the beliefs you have about yourself. You can do this by having some positive statements that you practice and say repeatedly, perhaps in front of a mirror. Or put some post-it notes around to remind you! If you say these often enough, on a daily basis, they enter your subconscious and can change the way you think and feel about yourself.

• I am a worthwhile person
• I love and appreciate myself
• I am at peace with myself and others
• I deserve to eat and to have energy
  

Your self esteem will increase as you practise telling yourself that you are a worthwhile person.

Quote

"Recovery taught me so much about myself. I learned about the people I love, the person I am and how much I want to live and be happy. These are the things I am going to hang on to." 

First Step

What is the first step?
 
The first step is talking to someone you can trust - this might be a member of your family, a friend or teacher, some one you feel comfortable with. This is often very hard to do - fear of rejection, looking a fool, not being believed - all these concerns go through your mind. But it is important to try and even if you don't get the desired response the first time, don't give up - help is out there for you. The next step could be to see a GP or practice nurse.
 
Tips for raising your self esteem and working towards recovery 
 

• Treat yourself kindly. Keep a journal. Express your feelings and don't be afraid to ask for help.
  If you don't feel able to say what you need to or want to, write your feelings down and show them to someone. This is an easier way to express yourself, if you can't find the words to explain how you are thinking/feeling.
• List things you can do and the positive qualities about yourself and praise yourself for them.
• If you are feeling low ring a friend, take a relaxing bath, read a book, paint a picture, listen to some music.
  Write your feelings down,  write a  poem about your thoughts, feelings and emotions. This helps clear your own head and can help you to feel less confused and anxious.
• Give up playing the "Yes but" game.
• Take an assertiveness course.
• Learn a new skill.
  Develop new aims and goals to work towards. This will help you to focus your energies on achieving positive outcomes.

Challenge your thoughts

We have started this off for you - why not carry on and try challenging some more of your negative thoughts?

Tackling eating out

Part of recovery is often learning to eat out again and tackling any issues you might have to do with this. One of our Ambassadors has written a page on this subject and how you might conquer your concerns. You can see the page here