Eating disorder relapses are common, but they are avoidable when a strong system is put into place during the process of recovery.

No matter how strong you are, your eating disorder may be stronger. Relapses are common in eating disorders, even after long treatment schedules. To help prevent relapses, you need to look at your eating disorder differently, like an addiction. Addictions don’t just go away on their own; you need to take an active role in the process.

The Test of Recovery

While recovering from an eating disorder, there will be days where your determination and willpower are put to the test. Especially during hard or difficult times in your life, you may be tempted to return to old and unhealthy ways of dealing and coping. Relapsing happens, even after years of being in recovery. This is not a sign that you are weak or that your efforts have been futile.

There are many different reasons that may cause someone in recovery to relapse. Some major causes that could cause a relapse may include:

• Anxiety problems
• Death in the family
• Depression
• Divorce
• Family problems
• Problems with friends

Signs of an Eating Disorder Relapse

There may be different signs that you notice that may lead you to feel you may be suffering a relapse. The only person who will really know for certain is you. If you are a friend or close family member, these **signs and symptoms** signs-and-symptoms.html are not so obvious to notice. You may notice someone skipping meals, checking weight more often, lying to friends and family, feelings of self hate toward body image, setting limits as to what you can or can not eat, thinking about food more frequently and feeling you would be happier if you were thinner. When you begin to notice your disordered eating behaviors emerging again, it’s time to stop them before they become a problem once more.

Getting Back on the Road to Recovery After a Relapse

You can get back on the road to recovery, even if you’ve had a relapse in your eating disorder. Here are some ways to handle an anorexia or bulimia relapse:

• Keep a journal of your frustrations – Write down the things that bug you so that you can look at them objectively.
• Do something you enjoy – Having some fun is a good way to distract yourself from disordered eating.
• Focus on how great your life is now – Your life with your eating disorder was horrible, so focus on how great your life is now.
• Call on those who support you – You have friends and family members who offer to help, so let them help you.

We can all look at relapse as a failure or as a stepping stone. Relapses are often terrific times to strengthen your resolve to be health after an eating disorder.