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Channeling the Angst of the Eating Disorder into Recovery Success
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
For the countless individuals who may be suffering with an eating disorder, the experience of regret, pain, fear, frustration, and failure may be all too well known.
A person who struggles with an eating may constantly be living between what they hope to be and what they really are in the throes of these deadly diseases.
A common misconception about eating disorders is that theses are disease of choice. Mental illness is not a choice, just like a person would not willingly choose to have cancer or heart disease.
Understanding the Process of Recovery
Many individuals who struggle with an eating disorder may feel helpless when it comes to finding a way to overcome the disease itself. Urges to binge, purge, restrict, over-exercise, etc. may take hold of even the strongest desire to stay in recovery.
Each time engaging in an eating disorder can feel like a monumental setback, making the road to recovery seem like an impossible journey. This does not indicate that a person with an eating disorder is a failure or week. On the contrary, many individuals who have an eating disorder are uniquely gifted and talented, eager to contribute and offer their gifts and talents to the world.
The pain that is experienced in this juxtaposition can be channeled toward recovery efforts. If you have found yourself in this position in life, it is important to understand that you are not alone in the battle against your eating disorder.
Working with professionals who can help you overcome the eating disorder, one step at a time, is key for finding success for recovery, both in the short and long term.
Learning From the Difficulties
Having an eating disorder involves a fair share of difficulties, and even in your most despairing situation, it is crucial to find hope to keep going. It may seem as if you will never get to a place where you are free from the burdens associated with your eating disorder, but stay focused on the things you should be doing now, in this moment, for your recovery to continue progressing.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What has encouraged you to move forward in recovery during times of despair?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 17, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
