When does Recovery Start?
I've had Anorexia for about 9 years now, I started getting help properly in 2004 and have been trying to get well since then with a relapse or 5 along the way. Research has told me it can take twice as long as you were unwell to recover from an eating disorder - but when do I start counting from? If I still have some symptoms now does that mean I haven't started recovering?
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Recovery does not equal cure. There is no cure.
Recovery is when you admit you have a problem, accept it, and begin to deal with it.
Anorexia doesn't spring up overnight. There were long term ongoing emotional problems (symptoms) long before starvation actually set in; usually anxiety and depression, along with some obsessive-compulsive behaviors, like counting steps, ceiling tiles etc., or exercising, working, running, lying, smoking, tantrums, phobias, minimizing, rationalizing, delusions, body dysmorphia, insomnia and/or perfectionism, etc.
You may have some triggers all your life. We just stop beating ourselves up and try to stay in today. Just do the best you can today.
If I were you I would not count the days you have been in recovery because that will only increase your stress and anxiety levels. Because us, anorexics are also perfectionists for the most part and if you do relapse again it will put you in a state of anxiety. Take one day at a time. Good luck
Recovery is a state of mind. As long as you're trying and taking steps to get better you're "in recovery." It's a long, hard road. Just keep pushing forward and learn things along the way. Best of luck