Recovery

The Stages of Recovery

1. Pre-contemplation: when the individual denies that they have a problem and refuse help.
   1. What to do as a concerned party:
      1. Be aware of the symptoms
      2. Do not rationalize their disordered behaviors
      3. Share your thoughts and concerns
2. Contemplation: the individual admits that they have a problem and are willing to receive help.
   1. What to do as a concerned party:
      1. Insist on getting professional help
      2. Educate yourself about their condition / disorder
      3. Do not try to “fix” them
3. Preparation: the individual is ready to change but unsure of how to do it.
   1. What to do as a concerned party:
      1. Ask how you can be of the best help
      2. Do your own research in an attempt to help them find solutions
4. Action Stage: the individual is implementing their strategy and confronting their disordered behaviors.
   1. What to do as a concerned party:
      1. Remove triggers from the individual’s environment
      2. Be warm and caring while maintaining rules and guidelines
      3. Positive changes that do not revolve around weight or appearance
5. Maintenance / Relapse: individual has sustained the Action stage for 6+ months.
   1. What to do as a concerned party:
      1. Celebrate their progress
      2. Maintain a positive attitude
      3. Avoid making comments about weight, appearance, bodies
      4. Be aware of potential recovery backslide