How Long Does it Take to Recover from an Eating Disorder?

When I started my recovery process from eating disorders, I had no idea what to expect… I only knew that there were a lot of changes ahead for me. I was really scared of the unknown that the recovery process would bring. Yet, my desire to get my life back again was much stronger than my fear of change.

So I made that important decision to “change jobs”. Before, my eating disorder was my full time job. From that point forward, recovery would become my full time job.

“I have not failed.
I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”
- Thomas Edison

Of course, it wasn't a smooth process, as it isn't for anyone recovering from an eating disorder. Trial and error. 2 steps forward, 1 step back.

This is where the right support team, tools and resources became so important. They helped me keep my resolve to stay on the road to recovery.

I did my best to keep an open mind to everything out there that could help me – an inspirational book, a supporting website and especially direct contact with people who cared about me.

As for most people, my recovery was a rollercoaster ride. Lots of ups and downs. But with my support structures in place, I made it and you can too.

That's why I encourage anyone struggling with an eating disorder to build that support team asap. It's critical for recovery. It's the theme of all the work I do in this field—you are not alone. Help and support is out there. It just sometimes takes a while till we find the support that’s right for us.

So, if you haven’t already, start creating your personal support team now—people who are by your side to help you through the struggle, hold your hand, comfort you, celebrate your successes and most importantly, believe in you enough to help you break free from the chains of the eating disorder.

“There is no failure except in no longer trying.” 
- Elbert Hubbard

Recovery is a process. It takes time. And there is no rule for how long it takes for someone to recover. We all have different stories to tell, different reasons why we developed our eating disorders, and we are all at different points in our lives and have different resources available.

It's one day at a time. One step at a time. One step at a time may seem too slow some days but these small steps add up to making a HUGE difference. Each of these baby steps brings us closer to recovery and a life free of the eating disorder.  

All the best,

Andrea

Comments

[krystle]

my family is not supporting with my eating disorder.i don't have a good support system right now and i have relapsed and haven't been able to get back on track..do you have any suggestions.

[Danielle]

A friend once told me that struggling is a form of fighting. Relapses are a part of recovery, but I understand while in the stages of a relapse, that is not always comforting.
I'm very sorry to hear you do not have support at home. Do you have a trust-worthy friend, someone you can confide in, to help carry your burden. Sometimes being able to share your struggles with someone else makes them not as hard to overcome, because you're no longer fighting them alone. I wish you the best! Be patient and love yourself on this journey.

[Cindy]

I was told it takes 3-7 years to recover from an eating disorder. That seemed strange to me. I'm glad to know there are no rules. One day at a time works has worked for so far. Also, I heard -- and believe -- relapse is not a requirement for ED recovery. Just keep moving forward. Go to any lengths.

Krystle, are that any EDA meetings in your area? (Eating Disorders Anonymous) Or check them out online. They have an online chat room. Maybe you can find some support there.

This blog website is good too.

[Komendan]

Hi there! I'm just a blog reader that has dediced to finally delurk! You're one of the blogs I frequent the most, mainly because you have such a positive attitude and find you to be a great role model. I'm a 17 year old high school senior, with a busy schedule that is too long to list! I was hospitalized with anorexia at 15 and have gone through recovery and restored myself to a healthy weight since then. However, I sometimes struggle with mindless overeating, usually snacking on cereal, things like that. I'm quite active, as I have been taking dance classes since I was 3. I take various classes 3-4 days a week, as well as teach dance 2 of those days. I'm also in my school's showchoir and am choreographing 2 songs for the middle school musical. Given my background and lifestyle, I was wondering what advice you may have on controlling this occasional overeating. I usually struggle towards the nighttime and when I'm stressed out (which is often!) I'm about 5'2 and 115 pounds, so I'm not overweight by any means(most of it is muscle anyway!) Sorry to write such a novel, but I just love your blog and think you are a great example of a normal, healthy person that is beautiful both inside and out! Thanks for continuing to show me that it's alright to be human and have flaws, but still believe that I'm beautiful no matter what

[jess]

i keeeep bloating when does it stop