The recovery route

The route to recovery of an illness of this kind can only be described as performing an uphill obstacle course. Do not be disheartened by this though, as it is worth it. All involved will turn out better people in the end. There are various stages throughout the recovery, some which take longer than others. I have tried to describe some stages and carers responsibilities below.

1. Admitting the problem: The sufferer must first admit that they have a problem. Don't rush in, give them time to open up. Never ever ask "are you anorexic?". I guarantee you will get a response of "no".

2. Creating the support web: It is essential that the sufferer gets all the help that is possible under your circumstances. Doctors must be the first point of call for referrals to specialists. Close families should be informed and all should try and learn a little about the illness.

3. Keep them talking: It is essential that the sufferer can gain trust in someone close, and that this person constantly keeps the sufferer talking about feelings and thoughts. Keep them encouraged too. Never be negative.

4. Keep change to a minimum: During the first weeks/months of a recovery, change must be kept to a minimum. If you have consulted a dietician then they will advise you on food aspects, but basically only have foods that the sufferer feels safe with and don’t stray from these.

5. Ups and downs: It may sound strange but a sufferer will occasionally take one step forward and two steps back. Be ready for this as it is quite common. It is as though a sufferer needs to return back to where they were just to be sure that they do not want to be there again. Ask any specialist on anorexia and they will say that any patient that appears to be making a rapid recovery with no hitches, is either hiding something or about to be knocked back considerably. Be aware that if the food side of things is going well then it is quite possible that the sufferer could slip in to one of anorexia's “cousins” like, read more