Purpose and Identity in ED Recovery

Placing too much importance and value on the size and shape of your body and your ability to control your body e.g., identifying as the “fit” or “skinny” friend, keeps you trapped in an eating disorder.

Body dissatisfaction is a key risk factor for restrictive dieting. And in turn, restrictive dieting is the most influential risk factor for disordered eating or an eating disorder.

Body Image in ED Recovery

Often body image concerns are rooted in a patriarchal value system, which has taught us from an early age that our value depends on our appearance.

Consequently, central to improving body image is the rejection of the body ideals reinforced by diet culture.

We must shift our value system from basing our identity and self-worth on the size and shape of our body to basing our identity and self-worth on various areas of our life, and therefore, recognizing that our appearance is NOT central to our self-worth.

The Illusion of Control

Eating disorders offer a false sense of purpose and identity or a means to “achieve”, “feel in control”, or “feel worthy”. The reality is that eating disorders lead to poor physical and mental health. They provide only the illusion of control, as the more you succumb to the eating disorder, the more out of control your life becomes.

Instead of having a well-rounded life with various valued areas, such as friends, family, health, study and work, eating disorder beliefs and behaviours take up so much space that these other areas have to shrink to make room.

Recovery Allowed Me to Grow

I remember feeling terrified of losing my purpose and identity. But recovery allowed me to reconnect with my values and beliefs and to live in alignment with them. My purpose and identity no longer depend predominantly on one facet of my life, and I know that my identity and purpose are not stagnant.

I appreciate that who I am will change throughout my life as I continue to learn and grow.

Recovery gave me the energy and mental space to think about things deeply, pursue learning, enjoy the little things in life and show up authentically.

I am no longer completely consumed by thoughts of food, constantly irritated, perpetually tired, unable to concentrate, and physically exhausted.

I am no longer aggressive and unkind because I am hurting inside and want to protect my eating disorder.

For the longest time, I feared that recovery would cause me to lose myself, but recovery has allowed me to come home to myself.

If you’re ready to make a change, contact us today for a 15 minute discovery call.