When Are You “Recovered” From An Eating Disorder?

[Listen to an audio version of this blog HERE.]

Recovery is a strange and illusive thing. Sometimes, I’ll go for long stretches of time without even thinking about my eating disorder. Sometimes, especially when life is stressful, I can’t help but feel it creeping back, offering itself as an easy, accessible coping mechanism. When I began treatment, my goal was to eliminate the eating disorder from my life. This involved a treatment program, a team of therapists and dietitians, cognitive behavior therapy, and a lot of leg work on my end. We talked a LOT about being “in recovery” and eventually, about being “recovered.” As I worked through recovery, these phrases grew confusing. When was I “done” with my eating disorder? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. I’m going to break down the difference between being “in recovery” and being “recovered,” and yes, total recovery, I believe, is entirely possible.

Defining “Recovery”

Recovery is the process by which someone overcomes an eating disorder. People “recover” from sundry maladies: substance abuse, gambling, addictions of any and all sorts, and destructive behaviors like eating disorders. I underwent cognitive behavioral therapy to help me understand why my eating disorder existed and to challenge my disordered thoughts/behaviors. This was not…