Recovery and Eating Disorders (Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025)

Eating Disorders Awareness Week begins in the last week of February of every year. It is estimated that fourteen million people have an eating disorder. Eating disorders can begin at the age of twelve or at the age of thirteen, which creates worry and stress for families and friends. There are six eating disorders which have various symptoms. However, eating disorders do not only affect girls at an early age, but they also affect boys before the age of twelve. 

The risks of getting an eating disorder are higher if they are diagnosed with diabetes, depression, or other health conditions. Yet, there are other risk factors for having an eating disorder such as stress, traumatic events, anxiety, depression, or an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Also, bad comments about your weight, genetics, and a family history of someone having an eating disorder are other factors. Nonetheless, eating disorders cause vitamin deficiencies and it affects the skeletal system. Yet, there is hope for recovering from an eating disorder. 

This year’s theme is “Break the Silence, Embrace Recovery: Addressing Eating Disorders in Midlife” for Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Eating Disorders Awareness Week this year starts on February 24th and ends on March 2nd. Eating Disorders can also affect older adults. It is recommended that you follow the recommendations from a professional nutritionist, doctor, and professional counseling. Follow your treatments and understand your eating disorder is necessary for your recovery. The first step is to accept and to receive support from your family and friends. 

The second step is to practice positive self-talk, self-love, and self-worth. In addition, practice self-care and express your feelings. The third step is to ask for help if you have a relapse and do not make comparisons when you are in group therapy. Group therapy helps with your recovery process and to feel motivated. Also, keeping your mind busy with fun activities can help with your healing process. 

Often during the recovery process, one might feel frustrated, scared, and quiet. It might take one or more years to speak about one's eating disorder. Additionally, it can be tough to let go of negative emotions and negative feelings about one's body image. There are warning signs that you or someone has an eating disorder such as eating too quickly and going to the restroom immediately after eating. Another warning sign is eating when you are not hungry and overeating because of a stressful situation. 

Excessive exercise and worrying too much about one’s body image is also a warning sign. Be careful in replying to questions from your partner, friend, or family member. Asking questions about one's body shape, muscles, or other body features is another warning sign of an eating disorder. Making comparisons and wanting to change one's body shape with repetitive dieting are warning signs that one needs to be cautious about. Last, when giving support to someone with an eating disorder, be careful with your comments. 

Withdrawing from family gatherings, parties, dinners, or other celebrations with friends can be tough to understand. Yet, having an eating disorder can make you afraid of seeing food and make you feel more stress during celebrations. Another warning sign is eating less, restricting yourself from eating certain foods, or losing too much weight within a brief time. Yet, there are more warning signs depending on the type of eating disorder. To recover from an eating disorder, it is best to seek professional help and to find support from your family and friends. 

If necessary, you might have to distance yourself from friends that make you self-conscious about your weight, body shape, and your body image. Additionally, if your friend, family member, or your partner expects you to eat everything on your dinner plate; Let them know you have an eating disorder and that you do not have to eat everything from your plate. Do not argue with them. Depending on your eating disorder, consult with a nutritionist and with your doctor about your eating habits and your feelings. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other relaxing activities in addition to your treatment plan. 

Motivation is helpful for you as well as practicing self-acceptance, self-love, and self-kindness. Get to know yourself, your skills, and your qualities. It is essential to have support from your partner, especially if your partner wants to help you with your recovery process. Seek professional guidance for managing your emotions and recovery from eating disorders. Here are websites with more information about eating disorders. 

National Eating Disorders Association:

Home - National Eating Disorders Association

Recovery Tips for Tough Days:

Our List of 50+ Eating Disorder Recovery Tips | Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating & ARFID

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