Sharing Your Recovery Journey — Responsibly.

The process of recovering from an eating disorder (ED) is as diverse an affair as it is sensitive. One person’s journey is almost certain to differ from another's. But there are nonetheless commonalities, the likes of which are the inspiration for this article.

Before we proceed, it is necessary to be aware of the curious phenomenon in which one’s disorder — whether past or current— can serve as both a source of pride and discontent for the sufferer. Even well into recovery, individuals may look back on what was then rock bottom with misplaced nostalgia, the currencies of their illness not yet shed. Understanding why such a scenario would take place requires examining the setting in which eating disorders are most prevalent. Unlike most other mental illnesses, the behavioral manifestations of eating disorders tend to be commended in western society, making separation from one’s disorder all the more confusing. And as people increasingly share their journeys via social media, this phenomenon becomes of particular importance.

The benefits of online communities for those recovering are undeniable. Especially for those new to the fight, establishing a presence in such Web circles can help solidify the transition from sick to healing. Individuals find solace in being able to share their experiences without judgment, benefitting all the while from the accountability inherent therein. Still, as is to be expected with sensitive subject matters, certain problems have been known to arise. Oftentimes these challenges — generally rooted in user content — could be mitigated by additional consideration prior to posting.

Consider this scenario: It has been nearly a year since Janice began her recovery journey and the changes have been tremendous. Sure, she has gained weight, but more importantly, her energy levels, relationships, and mental health have all improved. To celebrate how far she has come, Janice decides to post a transformation photo comparing herself before recovery to herself today. Accompanying the photo is a caption emphasizing how much better she is doing now than when she started.

More than likely, the above scenario will strike as familiar. Such before-and-after posts are all too common within recovery communities. It is probable that, in most cases, the person posting is doing so with only the best of intentions. And yet, intentions often do little in the way of preventing harm to others.

When such an image is posted, portraying a smaller figure on one side and a recovered, often fuller figure on the other, those viewing — particularly if they have a history of food and body image troubles themselves — are likely to have one of three responses:

  1. The best case scenario: The individual views the photo and feels sadness for the recovering person’s struggle, but is happy to see that progress has been made. The photo does not affect the remainder of the viewer’s day.
  2. “I wasn’t really that sick”: Those in recovery from an eating disorder are often just as (if not more) fragile in the face of triggers as those still lost in their illness. As previously mentioned, it is difficult to abandon what once held great value (e.g., weight, numbers). Suppose someone early on in recovery was to view the comparison photo. More than likely, she will instinctively compare her lowest weight to the pre-recovery image shown. Assuming she concludes that the person pictured was thinner than she was at her own lowest weight, she may begin to doubt the legitimacy of her illness and her recovery from it.
  3. “I want to look like that”: There is always the potential for someone, whether or not they have a history of body image issues, to view the pre-recovery image and wish their own body resembled the one pictured. Such body envy tends to be accompanied by negative feelings about oneself and, for those vulnerable, may lead to thoughts of weight-altering behaviors.

One could, and probably will, make the argument that it is the responsibility of the individual to be wary of their own triggers. It could be said that to post unhindered is a matter of free speech, a right independent of the feelings of others. I agree with these claims. But this article is not an outline of our rights as citizens. No one is waiting at the end of this page to take them away from you. What I am suggesting is not a matter of obligation, but a matter of choice.

It is my opinion that one’s recovery journey can be fully and artfully shared without including provocative photos, nutritional info, or one’s past or current weight. I believe that, if we are truly honest with ourselves, most of us can concur that such information does little in the way of providing inspiration or hope for others. Those of us further along in recovery can likely articulate the profound mental gains which far outshine any physical change. If you have posted or are considering posting content of this nature, I gently encourage you to ask yourself these questions:

  • What are my intentions for posting this photo/information? Am I using it to validate my illness to the world?
  • How are people most likely to react to this content?
  • What would my reaction be if someone else posted this?

Absolutely, those vulnerable to such content can avert their eyes and keep on scrolling. But if you are reading this and have walked the road of recovery yourself, you likely know just how hard that can be.

An alternative to placing the focus on physical changes might be to highlight the psychological gains recovery allows. What has changed mentally since beginning recovery? What activities are you able to participate in that you couldn’t while you were sick? It is not within our power to prevent others from doing harm. But we have the ability, through the way we share our stories, to lessen the sufferer’s burden. Indeed, I believe we must.


If the contents of this article resonated with you, please feel free to share the accompanying graphic.

Allison Nicole Stallworth

Written by

Protector of the realm; I stand with organisms.

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