From Restrictions to Freedom: Reclaiming Life in Eating Disorder Recovery | Lucy Victoria
For Lucy and I, our eating disorders stripped away our independence. It stripped away our freedom to enjoy life, the ability to seek adventures, opportunities to build relationships, form memories…. instead, we were isolated, withdrawn, trapped by our anorexic restrictions.However, we discuss how reminding ourselves of all the life experiences and opportunities that recovery will inevitably allow was a powerful motivator for pushing through difficult moments. Now we have the freedom to do fun things, travel, explore, make mistakes, attend University, make friends, connect with like minded others…. which made the turbulent process of recovery absolutely worthwhile.This reiterates the idea that recovery isn’t just achieved through weight restoration… rather it’s about gaining life again, regaining your ability to smile authentically, having excitement to live, to laugh, to say yesToday's discussion also touches on the fears associated with weight gain and the concept of fear foods…. understandably, these processes can be quite intimidating and anxiety-inducing following prolonged periods of restriction, demonizing food groups, good/bad labelling, and an overall disordered perception of food. However, Lucy and I offer practical advice for overcoming these fears, and challenge previously held beliefs