Male Restrictive ED/Anorexia recovery experiences, tips & advice?
Hey guys, I’m a young adult male who’s developed a restrictive ED / anorexia combined with Relative Energy Deficient in Sport (RED-S) in the last 6-9 months.
Logically, it sounds so simple - but it is easier said than done. I know I need to eat more to combat the physical symptoms, improve my social life/relationships, and my overall mental health. I’m sick of the calorie obsession and constant ‘autopilot’ feeling. I feel like I’m missing out on actually enjoying life; simply surviving not thriving.
But - the ED behaviour / mindset is wired into my nature and I don’t know how to break out of it without immense anxiety & discomfort.
This is all very new to me. Could anyone share tips and/or experiences of their recovery? In particular:
- What motivated you to begin/endure recovery?
- What did recovery look/feel like for you? How long did it take? What can one expect during recovery?
- How did you approach recovery? (Ie. Did you jump straight into unrestricted eating? Did you maintain calorie tracking but set a minimum goal? If you had a calorie goal - how did you calculate this?)
- Did you maintain, reduce or stop exercise?
- How did you overcome the fear of weight gain / losing fitness and control?
- How has your life improved since recovery?
- Any other general tips/advice, motivation or reassurance
Any responses are greatly appreciated, I don’t have many people to talk to about this that I feel can actually relate with the experience and mindset.
Thanks so much in advance :)