Hi, I was wondering, is it possible to recover from an eating disorder [Anorexia] without seeking professional help?
If so, how?
Thanks

Honestly ... it's possible ... but a LOOONG shot. I tried to get counseling, but my health insurance wouldn't cover "mental health issues" ... so this was out.

before I continue, I want to let you know that I am prone to relapses. While much of my current life has stabled out, the fact is that I was never given the opportunity to properly work on the issues that were behind the ED. Therefore, while I have come light years, I know that with the help of a therapist, I could be a light more stabler right now (I'm talking about in terms of several issues, not just ED).

However, the best book I ever read was "Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer. I applied as many elements of this book to my life as possible. I would have to say that the most important part was the "support system." I have built two support systems around myself. One of the support systems is the cores three: my boyfriend and two best friends. They love me unconditionally and I can tell them everything. If I feel the need to relapse or am upset, I call one of them. The second support system is pretty much everyone else in my life. I do not talk with the majority of them about ED ... mostly, they don't know about it. However, they are ALL positive people. I had to cut the negativity out of my life. And this was SO hard, because I hate losing people and I hate hurting others. However, the time had come for me to look after myself.

I don't think I could recover without professional help, but it probably depends on your situation. Do you have a good support network? People you can trust to just listen and support you? I don't have that in my life.

My therapist keeps me on track and helps me see things clearly when my thinking gets skewed. He also tracks my weight, etc.

If your insurance won't cover therapy you may want to look into a free support group. I go to one weekly that I've found very beneficial. The attendees are in various stages of recovery so we all support each other. Nobody ever judges or talks down to each other. The meetings I go to are free. Try checking online (I'd post the link to the group I go to but that's against the rules), or call an area hospital. Sometimes therapy groups meet in hospital buildings.

I love my therapist, but I've found the people in the group really relate and understand because they've been (or are) where I am.