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Hope For Chronic Relapse in Bulimia: Ten Relapse Prevention Tips
Contributor: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC, President at Eating Disorder Hope
Almost 40% of those in recovery from bulimia relapse within 2.5 years seeking treatment. This can be devastatingly discouraging for the individual. After the profound commitment of deciding to seek help, committing the time and resources to getting better, the last thing we want to anticipate is to fail.
Yet, a 2005 study published in the European Eating Disorders Review indicates that relapse is likely to occur, at some level, for almost 1/2 of those who have obtained treatment for eating disorders. Even more concerning is that just shortly after (6 – 7 months) the individual obtains abstinence from bingeing and purging they are most vulnerable to slipping back into the old self destructive behavior with food and weight obsession. The likelihood of resuming some form of bulimic behavior continues on a slippery slope with 34% of sufferers relapsing at the 8 and 12 month marks after treatment.
Probability Patterns
A couple of clear patterns emerge across the slim research available on relapse probability with bulimia. The factors that may indicate one is likely to relapse are:
- How Intense was the frequency and duration of bulimic behavior before treatment?
- How motivated was the individual to get better?
- Is there follow up aftercare available to the sufferer once formal treatment ends?
- How obsessed with eating and control of eating does the individual remain during and after treatment?
It is clear that more research is necessary to help us develop better strategies for supporting the recovery journey of those healing from bulimia. But, from what we do know, how can we take this information and personally use it to help us avoid or deal with our own highly personal relapse if and when it occurs?
Relapse Prevention Tips
I suggest the following guidelines for all who want to prevent or pull themselves out of relapse from bulimia:
Have compassion for yourself! Depending on how ingrained the bulimic behavior was, it may take a long time to adequately develop new coping skills to replace the old destructive, but familiar, binge eating and purging.- Set Realistic expectations for yourself! Know the stats, don’t let this set you up for failure, but be ready to face some hurdles in recovery and prepare yourself for a long term journey of recovery – not contingent upon perfection.
- Maintain contact with others who support you and your recovery. Stay open and authentic about how you are doing, feeling and what you need to remain in recovery or, if necessary, get back on track.
- Read motivational and encouraging stories of bulimia recovery regularly.
- Pray and seek spiritual support from God.
- Join an online support group of others who are also in recovery and wanting to connect with you.
- Check in with your therapist and/or nutritionist, as needed. Long term supportive outpatient care can be crucial in the months and years following formal treatment.
- Expose yourself to people, art, articles, books, blogs and more that exemplify an accepting and appreciative perspective of the human body – not contingent on weight.
- Be a strong warrior in recovery and be willing to start over, as much as in necessary, to find the health and wellbeing that is your birth right!
- Continue to monitor self destructive or deceptive thinking practices that trip you up and correct these thoughts with the truth of how beautiful, strong, capable and blessed you really are.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What tips would you offer to someone struggling with bulimia and relapsing? Which of the above ten tips have you tried, what has worked well in your recovery?
About the Author:
Jacquelyn Ekern founded Eating Disorder Hope in 2005, driven by a profound desire to help those struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. This passion resulted from her battle with, and recovery from, an eating disorder. As president, Jacquelyn manages Ekern Enterprises, Inc. and the Eating Disorder Hope website. In addition, she is a fully licensed therapist with a closed private counseling practice specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.
Jacquelyn has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from The University of Phoenix and a Masters degree in Counseling/Psychology, from Capella University. She has extensive experience in the eating disorder field including advanced education in psychology, participation and contributions to additional eating disorder groups, symposiums, and professional associations. She is a member of the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), Academy of Eating Disorders (AED), the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).
References:
- Richard, M., Bauer, S. and Kordy, H. (2005), Relapse in anorexia and bulimia nervosa—a 2.5-year follow-up study. Eur. Eat. Disorders Rev., 13: 180–190. doi: 10.1002/erv.638
- Halmi KA, Agras W, Mitchell J, et al. Relapse Predictors of Patients With Bulimia Nervosa Who Achieved Abstinence Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2002;59(12):1105-1109. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.59.12.1105.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on August 11, 2015. 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.
