Eating Disorder Aftercare

You’ve gone through eating disorder treatment. Now what?

This question can be one of the scariest to encounter. Transitioning back to ‘normal’ after residential, PHP, or IOP can feel like (and is) a significant decrease in the amount of support you have throughout your day to day. This is where aftercare comes in.

Aftercare plans are a series of support people and skills to assist in your continued recovery. It is in place to address any potential triggers to relapse and can include factors such as housing, employment, finances, social supports, family dynamics, parenting skills, and stress management.  Ideally, an aftercare plan is created before you transition out of a higher level of care.

Counseling

Recovery is a lifelong process. When you transition out of a higher level of care, your treatment team may recommend continued counseling to offer relapse prevention surrounding the eating disorder and manage symptoms of any other mental health conditions present.

Coping Skills

Through recovery so far, you have likely learned about your triggers and warning signs, where having skills in place to manage difficult thoughts and feelings associated with these triggers/warning signs are especially important. Using skills like journaling, mindful movement, and meditation (among many others – whatever works for you) are central to ongoing recovery.

Self-Care

Self-care can look like anything from getting a massage… to getting enough sleep…to setting healthy boundaries in relationships. It can look different for everyone, however, self-care ultimately means that you are making sure your physical, safety, mental, and emotional needs are being met, as well as actively identifying what those needs are.

Alumni Groups and Services

There is power in speaking to others who understand your journey. Resources like newsletters, online communities, and alumni groups through your treatment center can be helpful in staying on track and learning new skills.

Support System

Whether it be friends, family, partners, or community members – know who you can reach out to in sharing both your wins and losses. Your system can provide support and loving accountability for long-term recovery.

Evolve is here to help you through your treatment journey and help you set up an aftercare plan! If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out.