How we Recover
By Anita Beijer
In our recent Instagram Live event for Eating Disorder Awareness Week on February 28th, 2024, we collaborated with the Eating Disorder Foundation (EDF) to host a candid, inspiring, and heartfelt panel discussion about experiences in eating disorder recovery. We started by discussing the one big question that still lingers for some – is recovery possible?
Otter Aghazarian, who has been in sustained recovery for many years, kicked off our conversation and shared that their answer is constantly changing. Choosing whether to identify as “in recovery” or “recovered” is all about perspective. For Otter, identifying as “recovered” is a way to communicate hope and tell others that life can be different, and that change is possible. Otter emphasized that having eating disorder thoughts doesn't mean that you are not recovered. Recovery is about choosing to take the steps to take care of yourself, rather than engage in the eating disorder.
One theme that emerged among our panelists is that recovery is not a linear process. Gigi Sunley, one of our facilitators here at Eat Breathe Thrive, shared that there is no right or wrong way to define recovery – “it's what it means to you.” For Gigi, identifying as “in recovery” is a way to describe the ever-changing, fluctuating experience of recovering from an eating disorder. It emphasizes the process rather than the outcome and allows her to be kind and loving toward herself, even when she experiences setbacks.
“...there is no right or wrong way to define recovery – it’s what it means to you.”
Recovery is an ever-evolving journey. Every day, we have the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and what helps us actively choose to engage in self-care, rather than disordered behaviors. Lydia Rhino, EDF’s program director, shared that she considers herself “in recovery” and doesn't want to put a finite end to her recovery journey. Her experience has taught her that while the disordered thoughts may never go away, we can learn how to not engage them.
Recovery is a deeply personal experience. Our panelists emphasized the importance of taking what resonates with you and letting go of what doesn’t – it's a process of catch and release. Chelsea Roff, Founder of Eat Breathe Thrive, shared that how you understand your recovery may change over the years. She said that while she now considers herself “recovered,” for many years after treatment she considered herself “in recovery.” She emphasized that both felt like distinctly different stages. No two experiences are the same, she says, and we have to be able to make space for all experiences of recovery.
While there are many different experiences of recovery, one underlying message is clear: We do recover. Recovery is possible. It’s a difficult journey, but wholeheartedly choosing to face each step with courage and self-compassion allowed each person on our panel to build a healthier, happier life.
“We do recover. Recovery is possible. ”
We loved hearing these diverse and inspiring perspectives on recovery, and we are already looking forward to the next How We Recover event with the Eating Disorder Foundation. Do you have a burning question about recovery you’d like some perspective on? Send us an Instagram message, and we’ll include it in the next panel discussion.
About the Author
Anita Beijer is a pre-med student at the University of Florida and a certified yoga teacher (RYT-200). She began to practice yoga in 2023 and, as a former dancer, loved the moving meditation aspect of it! Yoga has become an outlet for her and has transformed the way she views movement - she hopes to be able to give back to her students in the ways her teachers have given to her. Anita is fascinated by the intersections of yoga and science and the roles that the practice plays in our daily lives. As an Eat Breathe Thrive volunteer, she hopes to amplify the values of the organization by sharing her passions and lived experiences!