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How Do I OverCome Self-Doubt In Eating Disorder Recovery?
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Eating disorders are illnesses that require ongoing vigilance in order to sustain recovery for the long term, and there is no doubt that this can become difficult to maintain through the various challenges that come with the journey. Self-doubt is a common experience in eating disorder recovery, not because a person is inadequate for the task at hand but simply because the process is grueling and intense.
There are many different aspects of eating disorder recovery that need to be worked through in order for a person to find total healing and recovery. From weight restoration to normalizing eating habits to working in therapy and adjust to medication management – eating disorder recovery is not something that is achieved effortlessly.
Dealing With Self-Doubt
Self-doubt can be experienced in many different forms throughout the recovery journey. This might feel like hopelessness, despair, depression, anxiety and a variety of other emotions and state of beings that can be difficult to experience and work through. These are not uncommon but should not be allowed to be roadblocks to ongoing
recovery efforts either.
The key is to recognize what might be present and to have the courage to not only face these feelings but to work through them as well. It can be discouraging to feel as though you are not making any progress, to have suffered a relapse, or to experience shame, rejection, or lack of support in your own journey. These types of experiences can certainly make someone feel as though they are not cut out for the job or give up on recovery all together.
Rather than allow these feelings and thoughts to cause a complete shutdown, practicing awareness and acceptance are key components to being able to move forward. What do you think is influencing you to feel this way? When have you felt like this before? Exploring these questions might be painful but can be helpful in uncovering yet another layer that is related to your eating disorder.
Working With Professionals
Because t
he feelings that come at various points of the eating disorder recovery journey are intense and often magnified, it is important to have a strong support system. Leaning on the support of health care professionals specialized in eating disorder recovery can be instrumental for the forward progression of recovery.
When feelings of self-doubt arise, talk with your therapist rather than holding those feelings in and internalizing the pain that you might be experiencing. The more you are able to process these emotions, the more likely you will have the opportunity to overcome successfully. Above all, cling to that which gives you hope and know that your recovery journey is possible, in spite of any feelings of doubt you might be experiencing.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What encourages you in your recovery when experiencing self-doubt in recovery?
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 September 13, 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.
