The journey toward recovery can often feel lonely and overwhelming. But for individuals struggling with this serious eating disorder, there is hope.

Recovery from anorexia nervosa is possible, and there are important milestones along the way that can help individuals navigate the journey. In particular, there are four key stages of anorexia recovery, which someone working on this difficult task can use to help stay focused, work through any challenges or setbacks, and reassure themselves that they are on the right path, no matter how hard it may seem.

Anorexia nervosa AN is a mental health disorder, which manifests as extreme attitudes and behaviors toward weight, food, and eating. While once thought to be exclusively a social or environmentally-influenced condition, research has yielded compelling evidence of biological and genetic factors that also contribute to the development and perpetuation of AN.

Every eating disorder recovery journey is just as unique as the person with the eating disorder diagnosis. This can make it difficult to measure out straightforward markers of recovery. But while progress is not always easy to track, there are several key milestones that individuals can expect to encounter as they navigate the recovery process.

But whenever and however they do occur, they can be looked at as signs of an improving condition. One of the biggest eating disorder symptoms involved with anorexia nervosa is malnutrition, due to a severely limited diet.

And improvement from the physical symptoms and other related ailments caused by malnutrition is a key milestone of recovery. Adequate nourishment allows the body to start healing, typically decreasing symptoms such as low energy and insomnia.

Someone at this stage may also see improvement with other physical symptoms of disordered eating, such as indigestion, bloating, dry or flaky skin, thinning hair, or physical weakness. There is more to physical recovery than just gaining weight. When the body begins routinely receiving less energy, nutrients, and minerals in the source of food, it will look elsewhere in the body to mine those resources.

This could mean taking nutrients from other areas of the body, or reshuffling the priority of internal processes taking place, in order to preserve energy for the most crucial aspects of survival. But once the body does begin to come out of starvation mode, there should be a number of noticeable differences, including improved focus, better sleep, overall better mood regulation, and just generally feeling better.

Restoration of metabolic and hormonal stability is also important, as it can help prevent the development of low bone density, amenorrhea, infertility, and other endocrine consequences of AN. The toll AN takes on body and mind can cause significant emotional distress, including mood swings, difficulty focusing, and trouble with decision-making.

However, as individuals progress through recovery, they may find an improvement in these areas. Mood swings may begin to abate as a result of both increased nutrition and psychological work done through therapy. And access to more food generally leads to more energy in the body, which can help increase mental focus.

Anorexia recovery is a complex and multi-dimensional journey that may continue over several years. Qualitative research has identified several critical factors contributing to successful recovery from this disorder, including: [5] An emotional support network, whether made of family, friends, or others dealing with the condition A sense of feeling understood Positive treatment experiences Nurturing relationships.

Perhaps the most important factor, however, is a genuine desire for recovery. Treatment and therapy can help, but ultimately, the motivation to stay on the path to recovery must come from within the individual.

Recovery from anorexia nervosa is possible, and with the right support and mindset, you can stay on the path of healing and growth. Still, the journey is generally long, and can be difficult.

But there are some tips that may help make it more manageable. Self-care is a critical aspect of recovery, and is helpful even after someone leaves official treatment. The concept generally reinforces the idea that someone is worthy of love no matter what , which runs counter to many of the damaging thoughts equating self-worth with weight loss that often drive anorexia nervosa.

Some ideas for practicing self-care include keeping up with good hygiene, getting enough sleep, engaging in joyful physical activity, and learning how to cook nourishing, healthy foods in a delicious way. Someone may also enjoy treating themselves to other signs of self love, by getting a massage, allowing themselves the time to pursue a hobby or interest, playing music, or doing anything else that generally brings them joy.

A strong support network is one of the most important aspects of a sustained recovery. Individuals who have access to those who love and care about them have people they can reach out to during challenging times, rather than resorting to old, unhealthy thoughts or behaviors.

There are a number of anorexia nervosa support groups that can be found, both locally in-person and online. Online databases, eating disorder hotlines, treatment centers, and medical professionals can all help point someone in the direction of a helpful support group.

Mindfulness is a powerful recovery technique, which can help someone stay grounded and in the present moment. This can then help them better manage stress, anxiety, negative thoughts, and other common relapse triggers.

Additionally, mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to help decrease preoccupation with food and the body.

This enables individuals to respond more positively and adaptively to their thoughts and emotions. Recovery is a lengthy and often challenging process.

Looking at the entire thing as a whole can feel overwhelming, and contribute to feelings of anxiety or other mindsets that may make someone want to give up.

Setting achievable goals and celebrating small successes is a good way to counteract this kind of dread or self-sabotage. Maintaining a positive mindset can help bolster this aspect of recovery.

It can be difficult to stay positive, especially in the face of more trying situations, but it can make all the difference.

A primary care physician can help individuals with eating disorders find a treatment team. Depending on the disorder, they may also help determine the appropriate level of care.

A therapist specializing in eating disorders will help work through the underlying issues contributing to the condition. They can also provide coping skills and support for recovery. In some cases, anorexia nervosa requires more intensive treatment, such as residential or outpatient programs.

Recovery can be hard, but as these milestones begin to appear, bit by bit, it will start to feel better and better, leading to a happier, healthier future. The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. Translation and Accessibility Donate Open.

Close menu. Learn about eating disorders Types of Eating Disorder Do I have an eating disorder? How many people have an eating disorder in the UK? Do men get eating disorders? Search Search Get information and support Open Menu. Glossary of terms Downloads and Resources Eating Disorder Research Get help for myself I need support now Overturning bad decisions and understanding good ones Online support Recovery Going to the doctor Early intervention Support someone else Supporting someone with an eating disorder Services for Carers POD - Peer Support and Online Development for Carers Worried about a friend or family member Worried about a colleague Worried about a pupil Your role in treatment Understanding the recovery journey Support In My Area Beat Services In Scotland Beat Services in Wales Beat Services in Northern Ireland Beat Services in England Find Local Support Support our work Open Menu.

Looking for eating disorder support in your area? Visit HelpFinder. Recovery questions and concerns Is it possible to recover? What is the first step to recovery? Can I recover on my own? Because you have been focused on size for so long, it is difficult to allow your body to develop into the shape that 'you' are, as opposed to what the illness is.

I found it necessary to not know my weight, to keep distracted, and to remember the reasons why you're gaining weight. Whether it is something as small as being able to sit comfortably, to being able to find stylish clothes that actually fit!

When I was having a down day, I could feel hugely fat and disgusted with myself, whereas on a good day, I would feel confident and happy with the real me coming back, even if I were heavier! I realised that I could be miserable and unsatisfied at my lowest and my highest weight; my happiness was nothing to do with the number on the scale.

It is important to remember that there is so much more to life than your weight, and that a life with an eating disorder is not a life at all. Beat Ambassador. How do people cope with recovery? Is my eating disorder my fault? Am I a failure if I relapse? Sometimes we hear that people find it easier to write their feelings down and show them to somebody rather than having to speak about them.

Take a bath, phone a friend, paint a picture, listen to music, go for a walk, write a poem — try different things to see what works for you. Write down positive qualities about yourself.

Learn something new that takes you away from your eating disorder. Keep busy after meal times. Try not to compare yourself to other friends in recovery. It can be helpful to use stories for inspiration, but you are an individual and will find your own path.

It can be helpful to learn a little bit about nutrition and how food fuels the human body, the British Dietetic Association's food factsheets might help with information. Help and treatment for an eating disorder 22 July The sooner someone is treated for an eating disorder, the better their chance of making a full recovery.

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