Redirecting towards recovery after relapse
I was recovered from my ED (free from thoughts and behaviours) for many years and recently relapsed. I got triggered by different life situations, I was really overwhelmed and resorted back to the ed to cope.
I try to reframe this relapse with a positive mindset and take it as a learning experience, to learn about new triggers and find healthy ways to cope with them.
It's hard, but I still believe recovery is possible. I know I was able to be at a better place in the past. Practice makes progress.
What I find really hard about this is that no one around me knows that I'm struggling. I'm dealing with purging disorder (OSFED) and the thing is that most people wouldn't be able to tell I'm struggling because there are no visible drastic changes. I know it's an equally valid and serious ed, though.
I get this off my chest and hope if there's someone dealing with a relapse after so much time in recovery, they feel less alone.
Relapsing after so much progress can feel incredibly discouraging, but the fact that you're aware, reflecting, and still holding onto the belief that recovery is possible says so much about your strength. You’re not starting over. You’re picking up with new knowledge, new awareness, and a deeper understanding of what you need.
Thank you so much for your words. I try to stay hopeful that I'll get better somehow.
It's hard but I'm trying my best.