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Eating Disorders: Treatment, Support & Recovery

7/29/2018

 
In this fifth and final article in a series focusing on eating disorders we will explore the treatment and support options that can help an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder to work towards recovery. We will also discuss the common occurrence of relapse during this process. Also includes a free printable to create a support network! #eatingdisorders #treatment #recovery #relapse
​|In this fifth and final article in a series focusing on eating disorders we will explore the treatment and support options that can help an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder to work towards recovery. We will also discuss the common occurrence of relapse during this process.
​Please note: The information in this article is not medical advice. If you are concerned about your health and well-being, or you are concerned you may have an eating disorder or if you or someone else is in an immediate crisis situation, reach out to a health professional, crisis line, or your nearest emergency service for more support.
In this fifth and final article in a series focusing on eating disorders we will explore the treatment and support options that can help an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder to work towards recovery. We will also discuss the common occurrence of relapse during this process. Also includes a free printable to create a support network! #eatingdisorders #treatment #recovery #relapse

Treatment

There are many different levels and types of treatment options available for an individual experiencing an eating disorder. Just like other mental health disorders, there is no one-size-fits-all style of treatment.

​Finding the support and level of care that works for an individual can depend on many factors so a proper assessment by a specialist can be a crucial first step on the road to recovery.

There may also be several different specialists involved throughout the process to treatment including physicians, psychotherapists, psychiatrist, dietitians, a case manager and other skilled support such as yoga teachers. Find an eating disorder specialist in your area to start the process of getting help and moving towards recovery. A professional can help you to identify the underlying issues and recommend the recovery process that is best for you.

Levels of Care
  • Outpatient: Medically & emotionally stable
  • Partial Hospital: Medically & emotionally stable but needing some support 
  • Residential: Medically stable but requires emotional support
  • Inpatient: Medically & emotionally unstable requiring ongoing support

Types of Therapy
  • ​Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): Aims to change the actions rather than thoughts/feelings. Exploration of core values is a central theme of this therapy with the goal of living an authentic life.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Short-term therapy that focuses on the thought process and beliefs that maintain eating disorder behaviour with the goal of modifying distorting beliefs.
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): A treatment with the foundation rooted in changing behaviour by building skills in the areas of mindfulness, interpersonal relations, emotional regulation and distress tolerance.

There are many other therapies that can be used to treat eating disorders, including family-based therapies that include individual support for family members and family counselling sessions that provide psychoeducation to the entire support system with the hopes of moving towards recovery.

Support

For an individual experiencing an eating disorder, having a support network that includes professional and allied help and also friends and family can be extremely beneficial to show that there are many sources of support to reach out to or lean on while going through treatment, recovery or even relapse.

If you know someone who may be struggling with their mental health, simply being there to listen can go a long way. Ensure an individual is wanting your help, rather than forcing treatment. Unless an individual is in danger and needing immediate medical support, allow them to seek support in their own time. 

Sometimes the first step towards having support is by letting a trusted individual know that things aren't okay and that help would be appreciated. Helplines can also be another source of support, especially in the initial stages of having help. Accessing websites that share verified information about eating disorders and treatment options can also be a good first step.

A few great websites for more information:
​
  • USA: National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
  • Canada: Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
  • Australia: National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC)
​
​Need help creating a support network? Access the free, printable support network printable to create a document you can quickly access with contact information to know who to reach out to when you need support.

Relapse & Recovery

The National Eating Disorders Collaboration explains that "relapse can be a common part of the recovery process; many people with eating disorders experience a relapse or recurrence as they recover from their disorder and learn to manage their eating habits".

Some risk factors increasing the chance of relapse include:
  • living with the eating disorder for a longer period of time
  • developing an eating disorder later in life
  • not receiving specialized treatment
  • negative or traumatic life events

Warning signs of relapse:
  • a return to obsessing about food and weight
  • overwhelming feelings of shame and guilt after eating
  • irritable when the subject of food or mental health is brought up
  • an increase in anxiety, perfectionism, and depression
  • isolation from friends and loved ones or inability to work or do daily tasks
​

​Rather than considering a relapse back into the behaviours or mindset connected to the eating disorder as a negative occurrence, it can be beneficial to take the perspective of learning about the triggers or causes of the relapse in order to use this information to work towards recovery again.
​
Recovery can be a lengthy, sometimes lifelong, process and it can be important to have a recovery plan to follow as well as supports to reach out to should there be concerns of a possible relapse or just a tough day or week.

Some questions an individual can ask themselves during recovery:
  • What am I needing right now to get through?
  • How can I ask others to support me?
  • What is one small goal I can set for myself today?
  • What goal do I want to work towards? Who or what can help me achieve it?
  • What strengths or unique qualities do I have to help me get through?
In this fifth and final article in a series focusing on eating disorders we will explore the treatment and support options that can help an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder to work towards recovery. We will also discuss the common occurrence of relapse during this process. Also includes a free printable to create a support network! #eatingdisorders #treatment #recovery #relapse

3 Important Takeaways from This Series


​1. You are not alone.

My goal for writing this series on eating disorders was to show that mental health concerns like this are a lot more common than many people may realize. The first step towards having support can be to recognize that something may be happening and to let someone know.
​
2. Treatment is possible.
Knowledge about the fact that there are many different treatment options available can hopefully provide some hope for individuals who may be struggling with the symptoms of an eating disorder and having a hard time finding hope. Treatment is not one-size-fits-all and it may take a few tries to find what works.

3. Relapse can happen but so can recovery.
​
Remember that relapse is quite common while going through treatment but knowing the potential risk factors and warning signs of a potential relapse can help an individual stay on the road to recovery with a support network.

Check out the other articles in this series about eating disorders byclicking here.
In this fifth and final article in a series focusing on eating disorders we will explore the treatment and support options that can help an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder to work towards recovery. We will also discuss the common occurrence of relapse during this process. Also includes a free printable to create a support network! #eatingdisorders #treatment #recovery #relapse

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE VAULT

Great!

Check your email for instructions on how to access the Mental Health Resource Vault. :)

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Bookmark the other articles in this series:
​
  • What is Disordered Eating?
  • 3 Types of Eating Disorders
  • The Connection Between Body Image & Self-Esteem
  • What You Need to Know About Eating Disorders & Youth

​References: nationaleatingdisorders.org, nedc.com, cmha.org
In this fifth and final article in a series focusing on eating disorders we will explore the treatment and support options that can help an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder to work towards recovery. We will also discuss the common occurrence of relapse during this process. Also includes a free printable to create a support network! #eatingdisorders #treatment #recovery #relapse
​The links on this page may be embedded with affiliate links that I am compensated for at no additional cost to you. If you or someone you know is in crisis and need immediate support, please reach out to your local emergency service or crisis line.
Nicole link
7/29/2018 12:43:02 pm

A good support system, both clinically and family and friends are so important to any recovery. My heart goes out to anyone that struggles with these issues.

Heather LeGuilloux link
8/17/2018 05:18:48 pm

Absolutely true, Nicole! Thank you for sharing your support to those who may be struggling.

LaRena Fry link
7/30/2018 10:33:38 am

Great post!! So true!

Heather LeGuilloux link
8/17/2018 05:31:33 pm

I'm glad the article was useful for you!

Michelle link
8/1/2018 02:41:44 pm

Great article.

Heather LeGuilloux link
8/17/2018 05:32:08 pm

Thanks, Michelle!

Jennifer link
8/2/2018 12:54:22 pm

What a thought provoking post! Thanks for sharing all of the various therapies and levels of treatment. One of my children has difficulty in this area and it is interesting to see the options.

Heather LeGuilloux link
8/17/2018 05:53:46 pm

I'm glad this article was interesting for you to read, Jennifer. I hope your child finds some support, as well.

Jasmine Hewitt link
8/3/2018 05:42:43 am

I like how you addressed relapse - because no matter what the issue is, it can happen - but so does recovery. Thanks for not glossing over that

Heather LeGuilloux link
8/17/2018 06:16:15 pm

Yes, relapse is so important to recognize as part of the recovery process for many people. Thanks so much for your comment, Jasmine!

Veronika
8/4/2018 07:39:56 am

Great information. This is a topic that needs to be discussed more. I loved your insight.

Heather LeGuilloux link
8/17/2018 06:37:29 pm

I'm glad you enjoyed the information shared in this article, Veronika!

Brooks link
8/6/2018 05:53:21 pm

I've been in inpatient treatment as well as residential, intensive outpatient, etc. It was truly life changing. They used a combination of ACT, DBT, CBT, probably others as well! I think it's so important that people realize the medical world is flexible, too. Many programs will work with your schedule. I know many people struggling use the excuse of "I can't afford to miss work/school/etc". But many centers will build a program around your schedule. If you're reading this and struggling, I can personally promise that there is hope.

Heather LeGuilloux link
8/17/2018 07:46:13 pm

Thank you so much for sharing this information and your experience! It can be so important for others to hear that there is support out there and it can make a difference. All the best, Brooks.


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