What does recovery 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.

Is recovery possible? 

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.

"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." 

Recovery booklet

We have created this booklet so that you can understand more about recovery, what it involves and how you can take steps towards it. Download the Recovery Booklet here.