Eating Disorders and Recovery: What's Your "Full Time Job"?

When I started my recovery process from eating disorders, depression and body image issues, I had no idea what to expect...

I only knew that there were a lot of changes ahead for me. I was really scared of the unknown that the recovery process would bring. Yet, my desire to get my life back again was much stronger than my fear of change.

So I made that important decision to “change jobs”. Before, my eating disorder was my full time job. From that point forward, recovery would become my full time job.

“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”
- Thomas Edison

Of course, it wasn't a smooth process, as it isn't for anyone recovering from an eating disorder. Trial and error. 2 steps forward, 1 step back.

This is where the right support team, tools and resources became so important. They helped me keep my resolve to stay on the road to recovery. I did my best to keep an open mind to everything out there that could help me – an inspirational book, a supporting web site and especially direct contact with people who cared about me.

As for most people, my recovery was a rollercoaster ride. Lots of ups and downs. But with my support structures in place, I made it and you can too.

That's why I encourage anyone struggling with an eating disorder to build that support team asap. It's critical for recovery. It's the theme of all the work I do in this field—you are not alone. Help and support is out there. It just sometimes takes a while till we find the support that’s right for us.

So, if you haven’t already, start creating your personal support team now—people who are by your side to help you through the struggle, hold your hand, comfort you, celebrate your successes and most importantly, believe in you enough to help you break free from the chains of the eating disorder.

Recovery is hard work. But it’s all worth it. Eating disorders really can be overcome. You can learn to love yourself and life again.

A life without the eating disorder really IS possible.

All the best,

Andrea