Clients’ Thoughts About Recovery
By Dr. Mark Warren and clients at TEP
Recovery from an eating disorder is the clear goal of treatment, however, the scientific literature on clients’ experience of recovery is often defined in different ways. In general, the literature tends to focus on re-feeding, growth curves, medical stability, and resolution of behaviors. At TEP we fully endorse that these are the first steps towards recovery and without them no discussion of recovery can take place. That being said, recovery from an eating disorder can have various meanings for those who suffer from these illnesses. In general, there are psychological, social, and identity issues that also change when someone describes themself as being in recovery. We feel it is important to talk to our clients and their families to gain understanding of what recovery means to them. With this in mind we had a conversation with clients about this issue. We asked them to answer the question “How do i know if I am in recovery?” Please find their responses below:
I know I’m recovering if I…
Am able to go out and get what I want
Do not count calories
Feel hunger cues and am not anxious when hungry
Eat when I’m hungry
Have a whole day without thinking about the eating disorder
Go to sleep without worrying about what I have to eat tomorrow
Engage in a cause bigger than myself
Listen to my body’s needs and functions
Give up fear about talking about the eating disorder
Am known to others and have them aware of who I am
Can do the things I want, despite ED telling me that I can’t
Can recognize that bravery is following my meal plan, NOT restricting
This post has been updated with additional client thoughts since it first appeared on the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders (CCED) blog in 2012.
Tags: Cleveland, Eating Disorders, Minnesota, Ohio, Recovery