How Long Does it Take to Recover From an Eating Disorder?
Ah, the million-dollar question…
How long does recovery take?
It’s one nobody really has the answer to, and for good reason:
There’s no agreed-upon definition for ‘recovered’ from an eating disorder.
It’s really common for rehab centers to focus on the physical aspect of recovery. Eating disorder recovery centers often discharge patients when their weight is restored to a range considered healthy for their height and age. But being in a more properly nourished body doesn’t automatically make someone recovered.
That’s because eating disorders aren’t caused by being lighter. They’re incredibly multifaceted! Some experts contend they’re caused by a combination of OCD and anxiety, and I’m inclined to agree. But whatever the cause, it’s clear there’s some necessary mental gymnastics to be done before someone is truly freed from disordered eating.
So, if recovery isn’t defined by a discharge date, and there’s some mental hurdles to jump, how can we tell how long it will take to recover from an eating disorder?
Here’s the thing:
There’s no way of knowing the answer to that question. (But that’s no reason to despair.)
There’s a way we can gain insight into how long the process will take: it’s all about limiting factors.
Aside from eating a wide variety of food, and plenty of it…
There’s a few limiting factors that can determine how long recovery will take:
Who you are apart from your illness.
What brings you joy?
What is your reason for living?
The sooner you can figure out:
Who you are
What lights you up, and;
Why you want to keep on keeping on without an eating disorder…
…The sooner you’ll recover.
Because here’s what nobody’s telling you:
Food is the easiest part of recovery; It’s finding yourself that takes the most effort.
The more you can shift your focus away from your disorder - the more you look for a future and for what you desire from this life - the further disordered eating will fall behind you.
I promise you:
Your life is beautiful, and it’s SO worth finding out what it’s like to live without the dimmers of disordered eating.
In short:
Only you can determine how long this journey will take.
Rooting for you,
💞
Maria
