Relapse is a major hurdle in the recovery from any addiction. Where eating disorders are concerned, studies have shown an extremely high incidence of relapse, even after years of recovery.
What is Relapse?
Relapse refers to a return to unhealthy eating behaviors after a period of improvement. In the context of binge eating, this might mean episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short time, often accompanied by emotional distress.
My own experience with binge eating disorder reflects this. Recently, I discovered a surprising note on my computer from 1987, written during a painful relapse period. Here’s an excerpt.
As I sit here at my computer, the phrase “compulsive overeater” runs through my mind. What does it mean? That I’m compelled to eat. That I cannot stop. Hard to believe, for sure. I can’t stop eating. Maybe just for an hour or two, when my stomach is so distended, and all the junk I’ve stuffed down my throat feels like its backing up into my lungs. Then I think, “I can stop.” And I do stop. Until the next food thought. And then, somehow I’m in a state of mind where I simply obey that thought. I lie to myself, and justify eating by saying “I’ll stop tomorrow,” except its been almost two weeks of “tomorrows,” and I’m still eating.
Relapse can occur for various reasons, including stress, emotional triggers, or even social situations that encourage unhealthy eating patterns
Common triggers for relapse
- Emotional stress: life events such as job loss, relationship issues, or personal crises can trigger emotional eating as a coping mechanism.
- Daily stress: the ordinary everyday hassles we all have to deal with can trigger old reactive patterns.
- Diet mindset: restrictive eating can lead to feelings of deprivation, which may trigger binge episodes as a way to compensate.
- Negative mindset: Self-criticism, negative judgements and distorted thinking based on real or imagined mistakes or on a need for perfection
- Social situations: especially those centered around food can create pressure to eat, leading to a loss of control and potential binge episodes.
- Lack of support: A weak support system can make it more difficult to cope with challenges.
These are only some of the most prominent triggers. In reality there are many.
Relapse can be devastating
After success, to return to old self-destructive behaviors can be devastating on so many levels. Relapse from binge-eating disorder can be physically and psychologically shocking to your system, and emotionally traumatic.
If it happens to you, get help and support as quickly as possible.
feature image by octavio lopez galindo from Pixabay