Recovery From An Eating Disorder

Eating Disorders Association NI

Recognising and accepting that you have an eating disorder and that you need help can be very difficult. It is ok if you are struggling with this part of your journey, you are not alone, many people experience this ambivalence also. What is important is that you give yourself the time and space to reflect and think about what is really going on for you.

Eating disorders are very manipulative illnesses and can trick the person in many ways making them believe things such as, they are not really sick, they do not have a problem, other people are worse off or they are not the right weight to have an eating disorder. It can be very confusing. You are not alone however. If you are reading this and are in any way worried, please contact us and we will try our best to support you. Recovery is possible and treatment is available. 

Recovery is a journey. A complex and multi-directional journey and is often described as two steps forward and three steps back. That is ok, that is part of the learning, part of the growing and part of the journey in building resilience against the destructive voices of the eating disorder.

Recovery takes time, it takes patience, it takes courage, it takes strength, it takes commitment and above all perhaps, recovery takes self-compassion, self-love, self-kindness and an ability to recognise and believe that YOU, do not deserve a life stuck in the torturous and destructive grips of an eating disorder. That is not a life, struggling with an eating disorder is not a life, it is a mere existence. You deserve more.

Useful resources

Peer support groups are gatherings of people who come together to talk with one another...
AMH EveryBODY aims to promote greater understanding and awareness of eating disorders. We...
Endeavour is a carer support group for parents/carers of young people aged 5-15, with an...
Although attitudes and perceptions are changing, Eating Disorders Association recognises...
The Nest is an online chat group for anyone with an eating disorder. It is a safe, online...
Eating Disorders Association (N.I.) relies heavily on the support of a team of highly...
Our resource pack for parents and carers is a comprehensive guide for those whose loved...
Nexus is a telephone support service for parents, siblings, partners, and others caring...
As an Online Peer Support Volunteer, you will provide email support on a one to one basis...
Eating Disorders Association (N.I.) relies heavily on the support of a team of highly...
We know that celebrations can be challenging. Gain support, knowledge and tools to help...
Eating Disorders Association (N.I.) can provide an advocacy service, engaging with health...
Phoenix is an online chat group for anyone under the age of 25 with an eating disorder...
We have an exciting recruitment opportunity! We are looking for digital helpline...
SPOT (Schools Professionals Online Training) encompasses a range of interactive learning...
Learn to manage negative thoughts and look at problems differently
Recovery Record can help you manage your journey to recovery from eating disorders. You...
Support to resist self-harm

Helplines & Web Chats

BEAT Eating Disorders - Helpline
Eating Disorders Association NI
BEAT Eating Disorders - Forum
Eating Disorders Association NI - Support Groups
Eating Disorders Association NI - Online Support Group