Relapse prevention
Protect yourself against eating disorder
treatment relapses
There are many steps you can take to
ensure the best treatment success for
bulimia and anorexia nervosa eating
disorders.
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Eating disorder treatment & relapse prevention
A relapse occurs when someone that is in recovery
from an eating disorder begins engaging in binging
and purging, starvation or overeating behaviors
again. The person may adopt behaviors of another
eating disorder, such as bulimia if they were once
diagnosed with anorexia, or may simply relapse into
the same eating disorders as before.
Relapse Statistics
According to several reports published by the New England Journal
of Medicine and Journal of Women’s Health, as well as data published
from the Renfrew Center Foundation, the prognosis for patients with
eating disorders often depends on the duration of the illness, the
onset of illness and the severity of weight loss associated with an
eating disorder.
Generally mortality and morbidity rates for anorexia can be as high
as 20%, and only 50% of patients recover completely. Many patients
recovering from an eating disorder face fluctuations in recovery and
relapse, while others will suffer from chronic deterioration and
illness.
The Renfrew Center Foundation, a national non profit organization
that works to educate the public about eating disorders, reports
that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any other
mental illness, but also that eating disorders can be successfully
overcome if patients are afforded access to adequate support and
treatment avenues.
Top 10 Tips to Prevent Relapse
Fortunately there are many things you can do to help prevent a
relapse:
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Continue to find avenues of support for
patients with eating disorders. For many overcoming an
eating disorder is a lifelong battle. Consistent support via
therapy or support groups may be needed.
-
Engage in hobbies/activities that help
balance out life and help reduce stress. Simply engaging in
a variety of activities will help you focus on things other
than food and physical appearance.
-
Avoid potential ‘triggers’ or stressors
known to cause binges or other eating disordered behaviors.
-
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms
of an eating disorder early on. These same symptoms are
often present when a relapse may occur.
-
Find a good therapist or reliable person
you can talk to when you need support and encouragement.
Have their number handy for emergency situations.
-
Learn to trust others and express yourself.
You must learn to validate your feelings and acknowledge
them in order to recover completely.
-
Remember to acknowledge yourself as an
important person. Acknowledge the simple fact that you are
not alone and that many people struggle with eating
disorders.
-
Take time out for yourself during the day.
Remember that you are the most important thing in your life.
-
Find other avenues to channel your
emotions. If you typically turn to eating in times of
distress, find some other way of addressing your emotions.
Consider yoga, meditation or journaling, which is a proven
and effective method for handling your emotions in a
positive light.
-
Seek out professional assistance
immediately. If you feel you are on the verge of a relapse,
do not hesitate to get support. Early intervention is one of
the keys to overcoming an eating disorder permanently and
successfully.
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