Recovery Questions...

[Wonderfullymade]

So I know there's not only one way that recovery happens but, because I've started seeing a therapist to get better I'm kind of curious about what eating disorder recovery is supposed to be.

I do realize, however, that most people here aren't recovered but you still probably have more knowledge than me on the subject so I would appreciate it!

1) What is recovery? When people talk being recovered or in remission I feel like it can be meant many different ways. Is it just stopping the behaviours, or the thoughts as well, or having dealt with all the underlying issues?

2) How long does it take? Obviously, some people live with it chronically, and then some have it for a several months and this all confuses me. But, in this context, what about a mild-moderate case where the person hasn't had it for too long (about 15 months) and actually feels ready to recover? You know, not talking about anyone specific here...

3) How long does symptom management take? For those of you, especially with BED or bulimia, if you have ever been in symptom management, how long did it take for you to get there? I know in In-Patient settings they rid the client of the behaviours within a month or so but what about when someone is not in-patient... what's normal?

4) Is there a time too short for recovery? I know you can't snap out of an E.D. but is stopping behaviours within several weeks or something completely impossible?

I realize these questions are extremely subjective and maybe it's bad to set up expectations of what recovery should be but, and I'm either being naïve or pumped for recovery or I'm just really not that bad, at this point I feel like it won't be that difficult. And then I feel bad about it.

But if anybody has any experience with this (even if they've relapsed) or has anything else to say I would appreciate it.

P.s. I'm sorry I'm such always make threads. I always have questions because I'm super curious

[silverfighter]

1) What is recovery? When people talk being recovered or in remission I feel like it can be meant many different ways. Is it just stopping the behaviours, or the thoughts as well, or having dealt with all the underlying issues?

2) How long does it take? Obviously, some people live with it chronically, and then some have it for a several months and this all confuses me. But, in this context, what about a mild-moderate case where the person hasn't had it for too long (about 15 months) and actually feels ready to recover? You know, not talking about anyone specific here...

3) How long does symptom management take? For those of you, especially with BED or bulimia, if you have ever been in symptom management, how long did it take for you to get there? I know in In-Patient settings they rid the client of the behaviours within a month or so but what about when someone is not in-patient... what's normal?

4) Is there a time too short for recovery? I know you can't snap out of an E.D. but is stopping behaviours within several weeks or something completely impossible?

1. I do NOT consider stopping behaviors to be recovery, just symptom remission. For me recovery means having ways to manage emotions, no longer hating myself, amd processing my trauma stuff. I have the thoughts sometimes, but they have almost no power.

2. Depends on the intensity of the negativity in your head. I had my eating disorder for 18 years before recovery of any kind.

3. When I decided to stop using symptoms, I stopped for over 2 years. It was a conscious decision and contract to do everything I could to support my recovery.

4. No, it isn't unrealistic, as long as you are actually working on how you got to this place, aren't just replacing symptoms, and have a plan to deal with slips and using behaviors.

Mel

[nowthethintwin]

1.) I believe that recovery isn't getting rid of ED completely, but being able to fight through the disordered thoughts and live your life.

2.) It really depends on the person and when they feel that they're ready for recovery.

3.) NA (sorry)

4.) No. It is not impossible. It all depends on your drive and your plan to deal with relapsing.

[Wonderfullymade]

Thank you for your answers, guys, they're really helpful

[kodachrome]

Wouldn't call myself recovered, but I'm definitely on the way there and can see the light at the end of the tunnel with the ED. (Wish I could say the same about my other struggles, but hey, I'll take what I can get).

1.) I think it varies on the person. For some people, the thoughts will always be there, and so for them, recovery means not acting on them. Sort of like how a dry alcoholic will probably always have urges to drink. It'll always be a struggle somewhat. For other people, I think total remission is completely possible.

2.) Going to go with others here--depends on the person, I imagine.

3.) Varies on the person? idk

4.) Honestly, I would say for me that while I started trying a little in spring, things really snapped abruptly for me in August, and things have pretty dramatically shifted since. Simply put, I decided enough was enough and that I wanted to be medically healthy. And I've set my mind to it. It sounds overly simple, and in some ways I'm oversimplifying, but in other ways, it was that simple--I made a distinct choice that I no longer want the eating disorder. There have been times where I've been uncomfortable or anxious about the path I've set myself upon, but I've managed to redirect myself by constantly reminding myself of my higher goal every time I've wanted to give in. At the end of the day, I want the medical health and the ability to live normally again more than I fear being fat.

While no one chooses to have eating disorders, you do make the choice to recover.

[ntt_3]

4.) Honestly, I would say for me that while I started trying a little in spring, things really snapped abruptly for me in August, and things have pretty dramatically shifted since. Simply put, I decided enough was enough and that I wanted to be medically healthy. And I've set my mind to it. It sounds overly simple, and in some ways I'm oversimplifying, but in other ways, it was that simple--I made a distinct choice that I no longer want the eating disorder. There have been times where I've been uncomfortable or anxious about the path I've set myself upon, but I've managed to redirect myself by constantly reminding myself of my higher goal every time I've wanted to give in. At the end of the day, I want the medical health and the ability to live normally again more than I fear being fat.

While no one chooses to have eating disorders, you do make the choice to recover.

Yeah, I may have time to write more later, but what youngsterjoey said here resonates with me and can definitely be true. In some ways it is very simple, if you've made up your mind and know what you want. Depends on the person and all that, but don't think you can't turn things around quickly. It's doable. Just be kind to yourself in the process.

[Wonderfullymade]

Thanks for the answers, it's good to know my ideas recovery aren't completely unrealistic, although who knows how it will actually play out. I'm in my fourth week of "official" recovery, and this week we started adding lunches into my meal plan. So it's a start.

I also learned just how many "unsafe" foods I actually have :/