Eating disorders - The recovery after the recovery.
I have spoken a lot about this recently but not actually done a video on it, so I hope this helps anyone who needs it right now. The "recovery" word related to eating disorders, is so different for so many. And the word "relapse" often goes hand in hand with that. I remember all too well how long that road to recovery was and how many times I fell of the road, rolled done the hill and landed smack in the mud at the bottom. Again. And again. And again...
But that's OK. Relapse isn't a failure, its a stumble, but if you get back up no matter how many times, that's what matters.
There's another aspect to recovery too. The one after the "grand finale." The one where you recover in life "post eating disorder" as it were. You're not alone. I'm going through it now and it's important we talk about it as it can feel like you're going backwards... I'm here to remind you're not. You're moving forwards more than you know. There is no right or wrong. There is no "one size fits all" to pardon the pun. As James Downs said to me on one of our SEED survive and thrive podcasts... "your recovery is your discovery".
Right now I am learning who I am more than ever as lockdown triggered the feeling of loss in my life where 13 years were robbed by my eating disorder. I know many people go through the same but we don't talk about it. The grief. The years lost, the tears, the breakdown of friendships, relationships and more. I've been brave here and didn't intend to include it but I have... Talking about the long term impact on our bodies and fertility. I am sure it will resonate with many. And I hope by sharing, it brings comfort. You're not alone.
If you are teetering on the edge early intervention is key... Be brave and reach out please. If you are relapsing again and feel lost, know you're doing your best and reach out please. If you've "recovered" but lockdown has stirred up memories and feelings of grief, open them up safely and reach out please.
Every tear that falls forms a pool of life.
You matter ♥ 🌱
Great video, I really appreciate your honesty in this video. I’m going through a similar process now after getting into a good place with the behavioural side of my ED. It really is a continual process
keep going Tom! Thank you for your kind words xx
Thank you for this. I engaged in help through Evolve but I was not fully committed and I was discharged from them as there was no further help. I started doing better but recently the thoughts and feelings are back and I feel like I am in a car that has broken down but I keep trying and keep fighting. I have had to rely a lot on take away because cooking causes me to break down but then that causes issues and it becomes a vicous cycle. But viewing it as a process is helpful, thank you
Trust the process lovely, just one day at a time. You can do this x