Why is anorexia (or any other ed) even a thing?
Hi. I’ve been in treatment for an eating disorder (AN) for 20 years (I’m 40). Recently, I’ve come to realize that I may never be able to say that I’m 100% recovered. The concept of “being in the process” speaks to me as perhaps the best possible treatment outcome in my case.
I’m trying to make sense of anorexia in my head - how it’s possible that such an illness exists, how it’s possible that I’m losing my one and only life to it, and whether I will ever fully recover from it and what that would actually mean.
I would really appreciate hearing what you think led to your illness. It would help me enormously if you could share your thoughts. There are so many different factors that are said to contribute to eating disorders, and it seems difficult to find any common denominator. In my case, it was definitely a dysfunctional family and the trauma associated with it.
What do you feel was behind your illness?
And the second question: what is it that keeps you from fully recovering? Or, if you’re at a better stage, in that “middle ground” where I am, what is it that keeps you from recovering completely?
I’d be very grateful for any responses.
P.S. I want to post this question in several ED-related groups, so please bear with me if you see the same question there as well.