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Is it possible to lead a "normal" life if you have an eating disorder?

Marta Tena Briceño
Marta Tena Briceño
Person with personal experience in eating disorders

Given that we're in recovery, the ideal is to lead as normal a life as possible, and that also makes us more motivated to recover. Therefore, depending on the phase we're in and as we progress in recovery, our normal life gradually increases. For example, if the eating disorder prevents us from completing a full university course, it's okay to drop a few subjects, and as the treatment takes effect, we'll be stronger and able to take them all, which should also encourage us.

It's important to be aware of our limitations and not push ourselves if we know there are certain things or situations we can't handle. In short, listen to ourselves.

José Miquel Ortiz Moreno
José Miguel Ortiz Moreno
Mental health nurse specialist. Expert in eating disorders. Head of nursing management training.
Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu

Yes, understanding that there are exposures we should avoid, exposures to certain conversations (especially regarding food, body image, and physical exercise). We should focus on strengths that make us feel good. Sometimes we might think we can no longer do this or that because cognitively we're sad, unmotivated, and have lost our enthusiasm, but we have to remind ourselves that this isn't the case, that we can recover what we were good at/what made us happy and well, and strive and focus on that and little by little regain control of a healthy life.

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José Miquel Ortiz Moreno
José Miguel Ortiz Moreno
Mental health nurse specialist. Expert in eating disorders. Head of nursing management training.
Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu
Marta Tena Briceño
Marta Tena Briceño
Person with personal experience in eating disorders