Recovery means different things to different people. For some it could mean never having an eating disorder thought or behaviour again or it could mean that these thoughts and feelings continue to occur for not so often.

The first steps towards recovery means accepting that you have a problem. This can be one of the hardest things to do. Recovery also means asking for help - this be from a friend, family member or someone else close to you in the initial instance. However, in long run it is essential you talk to a medical professional to sustain recovery.

For many people with eating disorders, recovery often involves them being hard on themselves but also being kind. An example of being hard on yourself could be by bingeing or purging less often or increasing your food intake but being kind to yourself when you don't completely manage to achieve your goal. For those with exercise disorders, this could mean only exercising for a limited period of time only. This will require persistence and determination. Having a good self awareness of your feelings and triggers is also important.

Making a full recovery from an eating disorder is possible, but will take some time. Part of you might want to get better but worried about giving up the disorder. You are likely to have good days and bad days. There are likely to be times when your eating disorder returns. This is ok - people will usually relapse several times before they totally recover. To change your ways of thinking and feeling is never easy and it takes time, but is worth it in the end.

Recovery might involve you having to investigate painful thoughts and feelings that you would prefer to leave alone. It is usually these feelings that drive your eating disorder - ignoring them will not do you any good. By trying to understand and try to resolve these thoughts and feelings will make the eating disorder weaker.

Recovery may result in you feeling unsafe and out of control for a while. You can learn to use control in a positive way. We have identified several ways, which can help you:

• Spend some time to think about your feelings and don't run away from them. You may find it helpful expressing your emotions in safe ways, e.g. telling someone, writing them down, keeping a diary, drawing, etc.
• When things get too difficult you could punch a cushion, shout, scream or cry.
• Talk to someone you trust - ring a friend or helpline. This will help get things off your chest.
• Learn when to take some space when you need it - find a safe place to go when you need it, e.g. a coffee shop, library, park, etc.
• Occupy your time with things that make you less stressed like yoga, relaxation, drama, painting, listening to music.
• Go for a long walk or take up a soft sport like running or swimming - a little bit of exercise will help you deal with the inner tension.
• Get involved in a support group - meeting others going through similar problems will help ease the isolation.

Remember, different things will work for different people. Some of these suggestions may help you to avoid other self harming behaviours, e.g. cutting, drinking and substance misuse. Even if you are unsure on the effectiveness of the above, do try them as you may be suprised how using other (less destructive) coping mechanisms can do you so much good and make you feel better when things are bothering you.