How Difficult is Recovery from an Eating Disorder in Perth, WA?

Recovery from an eating disorder is like climbing a mountain in unpredictable weather. Some days are sunny and clear, while others are stormy and difficult. But no matter what the climb, the summit towards recovery is always worth it. Let’s look at some of the aspects that complicate this journey for those trying to achieve recovery.

Understanding Eating Disorders and Their Impact

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. In short, they impact much more than just food and body image – they affect your whole life. The longer an eating disorder is part of your life, the more damage it can do. I often equate eating disorders to cancer — the longer it exists in your life, the worse it gets.

Many people with eating disorders also deal with other mental health issues like anxiety or depression. This comorbidity makes recovery even more complex, requiring a holistic approach that addresses not just eating behaviours, but other significant mental health issues as well.

The Complexity of Eating Disorder Treatment

Recovery is tough because it involves changing so many aspects of yourself. It’s not just about changing what you eat – it’s about changing how you think and feel about yourself. One of our clients in Perth, Sarah (not her real name), struggled with anorexia for over 10 years. Her recovery journey began with doubt and scepticism: “I thought I could handle it on my own,” she recalls. “But I had to confront myself with the idea that this wasn’t just about food. It was about more deep-seated problems – control, perfectionism, and an intense fear of failure that permeated every aspect of my life.”

The potential biological impact of eating disorders further complicates recovery. Prolonged malnutrition or disordered eating patterns can cause significant physiological consequences. The body adapts to survive in a state of deprivation or chaos, altering hormone levels, metabolism, and even brain chemistry. Reversing these changes takes time and can be physically uncomfortable, leading many to relapse in their recovery.

The social context of recovery adds another layer of difficulty. In a world obsessed with diet culture and unrealistic beauty standards, people in recovery must navigate a minefield of potential triggers. Comments about food or appearance can set off a flurry of negative thoughts. Social media, with its unfiltered images and curated lifestyles, can be particularly difficult.

During therapy, I often encourage clients to completely re-evaluate their social media use. Making conscious choices about who they follow, what they listen to, and which messages they’re exposed to can significantly influence how they feel about themselves and their bodies.

One aspect that surprises some people is the sense of loss or grief they might experience in the later phases of treatment. As people work towards recovery, they may sometimes experience feelings of mourning for their eating disorder. “Letting go” of who they were, or how they lived can be difficult for some. In response to these feelings, we encourage clients to focus on who they’re trying to become, rather than being focused on who they were.

Recovery requires a high degree of self-awareness and honesty. Denial and avoidance of the problem can be very difficult barriers to overcome, and easy traps to fall back into. During recovery, you must face some uncomfortable truths about yourself and your behaviours. It’s not easy, almost no one enjoys doing it, and progress isn’t straightforward.

The non-linear nature of recovery adds another layer of difficulty. Progress rarely follows a straight line. Setbacks and relapses are common and can be deeply discouraging. Learning to accept these moments as part of the process and deal with them emotionally to refocus on recovery is a crucial skill in successful recovery.

Rediscovering Yourself Beyond the Eating Disorder

Perhaps one of the most profound challenges — and rewards — of eating disorder recovery is rediscovering yourself beyond the disorder. Many sufferers relay how their disorder has become a central part of their identity. In this sense, recovery involves not just ceasing disordered behaviours, but also building a new sense of self with renewed respect, renewed internal language, renewed choices, and renewed habits.

As Sarah reflects on her ongoing recovery journey: “It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. I’m discovering who I am without my eating disorder, and it’s both terrifying and exhilarating. Some days are still a struggle, but I have moments of joy and freedom that I never thought possible. These moments make me excited about my future, living freely and by my own will, not by the will of my eating disorder.”

Hope for Recovery: Aspects of Holistic Treatment

Despite the challenges and complexities faced during treatment, it’s important to emphasize that recovery is possible. Many people who have recovered from an eating disorder go on to lead fulfilling lives.

Successful recovery often involves a multidisciplinary approach — usually a well-informed GP, a dietitian, and a psychologist. Support systems also play an invaluable part in the recovery process: friends, family, support groups, and online communities can provide encouragement, understanding, and a sense of belonging. These connections can be a lifeline during the most challenging moments of recovery.

Conclusion: The Journey is Worth It

Recovery from an eating disorder is undeniably difficult — it will probably be one of the most challenging things you’ve ever done. It requires courage, persistence, and a willingness to face deep-seated fears and beliefs. The journey is often long and filled with many obstacles. However, the difficulty of recovery should not be seen as a deterrent, but rather as a testament to the strength and resilience of what you undertake, and how much such a journey will help you grow emotionally.

With proper support, treatment, and determination, recovery is not just possible — it’s a transformative journey that can lead to a richer, more authentic life. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. The mountain may be steep, but the view from the top is worth the climb. Recovery is possible, and you deserve to experience life free from your eating disorder.

Online Treatment Options for Eating Disorders in Perth, Western Australia

At Reverence Recovery, we offer online eating disorder treatment options for clients. We’re located in Perth, but accept all clients across Australia. Our approach is flexible, adjustable, and tailored to each person’s needs. We understand that recovery isn’t just about willpower, bu rather developing many aspects of yourself. This process can be slow and frustrating, but it’s essential for long-term healing.

Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact Reverence Recovery today to learn more about our online eating disorder treatment options.