Written by: Nicole Sadler, MS, LPC
Site Director at The Renfrew Center of Southern New Jersey
Recovery from an eating disorder is not a linear path. Relapse is sometimes part of the process, rather than a sign of failure. At The Renfrew Center, we understand that a relapse can feel discouraging, but it can also be an opportunity to build mental and emotional strength as you move forward in your recovery. Every step, especially the hard ones, brings you closer to long-term resilience. Be gentle with yourself navigating relapse; the skills you’ve learned and the progress you’ve made thus far still matter.
What Is a Relapse?
A relapse, as it relates to eating disorder recovery, refers to the re-emergence or sustained recurrence of disordered eating symptoms and/or maladaptive cognitions related to food, weight, or body image after a period of remission or improvement.
An isolated lapse, or slip, may involve a single or short-lived return to symptoms, whereas a relapse is characterized by a more consistent or prolonged re-engagement with symptoms such as dietary restriction, binge eating, purging, compulsive exercise, or heightened cognitive preoccupation with food and body weight or shape.
Relapse is not the end of recovery; clinicians at The Renfrew Center often remind patients that setbacks are a signal to recalibrate and an opportunity to gain clarity.
READ MORE: Returning to Eating Disorder Treatment After a Relapse
Recognizing Triggers and Warning Signs
Navigating relapse often reveals triggers, stressors, or areas where more support is needed. Common triggers include stress, life transitions, isolation, diet culture exposures, or major life events.
Early recognition of eating disorder relapse is crucial because it allows for timely intervention and helps to prevent symptoms from becoming severe again.
Common warning signs include:
- Behavioral changes: Skipping meals, increased secrecy, or rigid food rules
- Cognitive/emotional shifts: Preoccupation with food, calories, weight, shape, or size; increased anxiety or guilt around meals or food; all-or-nothing thinking
- Mood changes: Irritability, withdrawal from social supports, reliance on maladaptive behaviors for emotion regulation
- Physical signs: Weight fluctuations, fatigue, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, or other health problems tied to eating behaviors
READ MORE: What Are the Stages of Eating Disorder Recovery?
Practicing Self-Compassion
Self-compassion matters! Blaming or shaming oneself after a relapse will inevitably just make things harder. Treating yourself with patience and kindness helps to build resilience. Recovery is hard; give yourself grace during these difficult times.
If you find yourself in a space where it is difficult to validate the emotions you are feeling, remind yourself: you’ve done this before, and you can do it again.
Getting Back on Track
How can you get back on track? Reconnect with your support system. Everyone’s support system will look different; yours may consist of friends, family, a partner, a therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist, or an interdisciplinary treatment team. At times, a relapse may be a sign that you need more support. Reaching out to your providers for a re-assessment can be an empowering step toward ensuring you have the level of care that best supports your needs.
Utilize tools and coping skills previously established, which may include journaling, engaging in creative expression, practicing grounding techniques, seeking meal support, setting boundaries, taking breaks, creating a plan of action, or using positive affirmation. s
It is helpful to set small, realistic goals that feel achievable, such as taking things one day at a time or one meal at a time. During this time, it may also help to limit exposure to triggers, reduce social media use, set boundaries, or verbalize your needs.
Re-engaging with supportive resources can be helpful. Support groups, recovery webinars, and other alumni events, like those offered at The Renfrew Center, can provide accountability, education, and community when you feel isolated.
Relapses as a Learning Opportunity
Relapses in eating disorder recovery can feel discouraging, yet they do not erase the progress you have made. Rather, they can be used as a learning opportunity to better understand your needs and reengage with your recovery in a more informed, compassionate way.
It is important to develop a relapse prevention plan prior to leaving treatment. This plan helps you stay accountable, recognize triggers and warning signs, and remain connected to the things that motivate you in recovery. It also provides opportunities to practice key skills, like noticing your emotions mindfully, staying flexible in your thinking, tolerating physical sensations, and challenging avoidance or emotionally driven behaviors.
Remember: focus on progress over perfection.
READ NOW: Finding Peace with Your Post-Recovery Body
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional support can be helpful for anyone experiencing an eating disorder or disordered eating. Some signs and symptoms that indicate an increased need for immediate attention or intervention include:
- Significant or rapid weight loss or gain
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Gastrointestinal issues that don’t resolve
- Restricting food
- Skipping meals
- Obsessive calorie counting
- Compulsive exercise
- Frequent binge eating or purging
- Intense fear of weight gain
- “Loss of control” around food
- Extreme body dissatisfaction
- Preoccupation with food and weight
- Declining school or work performance
- Daily routines revolving around food or exercise
Disordered eating can affect many areas of daily life, and professional support can be valuable at any stage. The Renfrew Center provides a full continuum of care, supporting individuals wherever they are in their recovery journey.
If eating disorder thoughts or symptoms are persistent or escalating, seeking professional care promptly can help protect your physical and mental health and keep your recovery on track.
Key Takeaways
It is important to remember that a relapse is not the end of recovery; it is just one moment along the path, not the final destination. View your challenges as opportunities for growth instead of evidence of failure and allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment.
If you or a loved one is struggling, The Renfrew Center is here to help. With the right support, healing and progress are possible – every step forward is meaningful, and hope is always within reach.
Struggling with disordered eating or body image? The Renfrew Center provides compassionate care for all bodies. Contact us today to get started.
If you, a loved one, or a patient is experiencing an eating disorder, help is available. Contact The Renfrew Center’s team by phone at 1-(800) 736-3739 or complete our online form.
