Navigating your eating disorder recovery can feel lonely at times, trapped in your own mind with disordered thoughts running the show. During treatment, we work to bring those private thoughts out into the open to allow you the opportunity to reflect on them without taking action. This is hard work and although you have your treatment team to support you in recovery, adding an additional layer of community support can allow the process to feel less scary and remind you that you’re not alone. 

Community is defined as: a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. 

Having a community can help to give you a sense of connection, positive human interaction and a sense of belonging, which can elicit feelings of understanding and togetherness. And when it comes down to it - we all need our people in our corners when things get difficult. 

 

5 Benefits of Cultivating Community in Eating Disorder Recovery

 

1. Support

Having a community that understands what you are going through can be the best sense of support for you. This allows you to be able to share your thoughts, feelings and challenges knowing someone else out there will be able to say, “I hear you, I’m with you, you can get through it”. 

 

2. Education

When you are a part of a community, there is typically a lot of education going on that you may not even realize. This can come from others sharing their experiences and coping skills that worked for them, or potentially there’s the opportunity for clinicians and experts in the field to answer questions and problem solve as difficult situations arise. 

 

3. Resources

Whenever there’s more brainpower happening (like, let’s say, a community setting) there is typically more access to resources you may not have known existed. You may be able to open up about a question or challenge you have and another member may be able to provide you with the exact resource you were looking for. When you are a part of a community, it can open doors for options you may have not thought of before. 

 

4. Inspiration

Communities are a time for people to share their stories, be vulnerable about recovery and sometimes provide valuable tips and inspiration. You never know, opening up about your own journey and experience could be immensely helpful for someone who is having a difficult time. 

 

5. Connection

This may go without saying but when you have a sense of community that comes with a sense of connection and belonging. It can help your recovery process feel less isolating knowing that there are others experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. 

 

How to Take the Next Step in Finding Your ED Community 

This one is easy because, well, you’re here! NourishRX not only offers you the individual support of working with our dietitians, but we also have the option for you to become a part of our online community. Interested? Learn more about how we can support you or contact us today to get started.

 

Eating disorder recovery can be a difficult process to navigate, with many layers, thoughts, and feelings to work through. Having a community in your corner who gets it can help remind you that you are not alone. And inspire you to keep going in your recovery, because you are worthy of a life without your eating disorder.