1. Recovery Is a Long Road
Eating disorders can be damaging physically, emotionally and mentally. Binging and purging causes serious damage to the body, but the emotional and mental scars can be much deeper. The internal healing process from an eating disorder can last a lifetime, which is why it's just as important to know how to mentally recover from an eating disorder as how to recover physically.
2. Eat Right for Mental Health
One of the biggest challenges to recovering from an eating disorder is learning how to eat right again, but going back to a regular diet can actually help you recover both physically and mentally. Eating healthy helps you learn how to eat without shame, see food as healthy instead of harmful, and remember how to make healthy food and lifestyle choices.
3. Join a Group
Group therapy can be very beneficial in mentally recovering from an eating disorder. Being around others who share your struggle will let you share your fears and emotions about your disorder and recovery without feeling ostracized or ashamed. Participate in group discussions and don't be afraid to tell your story. The struggles you talk about could be helpful to someone else dealing with the same disorder. Professional therapists leading group therapy can help you learn valuable coping tools to help you recover faster.
4. Reach Out to Family and Friends
The family and friends closest to you can help you mentally recover from an eating disorder. They've been affected by your disorder, too, so use the recovery process as a chance for all of you to heal, share your struggle and grow closer. Family supports can encourage healthy eating, diet and exercise habits, and friends outside your family will be able to help you feel normal and happy again.
5. Find Healthy Role Models
The pressures from society and culture to be thin, beautiful and perfect can play a big role in influencing eating disorders. If you're trying to mentally recover from an eating disorder, it's important that you find positive role models to look up to. Steer clear of the stick-thin models and socialites; instead, find role modes that lead healthy, well-balanced lives and love their bodies and imperfections. Positive role models can help you see the beauty in yourself and learn to accept yourself as you are.
