Non-Food Eating Disorder Recovery Must Have
If you’ve ever stood on the brink of a party…
…heart racing, contemplating whether to take the plunge into a sea of social awkwardness, you’re in good company. I mean, who doesn’t love the thrill of risking utter humiliation over finger foods and small talk, right? Spoiler alert: I don’t.
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In this episode, I’m unpacking the intricacies of anxiety around social situations, recovery, and all those delightful emotions we tend to shove down deep. We'll explore the ever-elusive idea of "recovery"—which, let’s be honest, can feel like trying to define “normal.” Is it just me, or does it come with as many definitions as there are people trying to navigate it?
Recovery looks different for everyone. Finding your comfort zone is key in these situations—whether it’s opting for a cozy lunch with a trusted friend instead of an overwhelming soirée, or gathering intel on who's attending so you can strategically place your safe person like a human shield. And if you've ever wondered how to cultivate authentic connections (which feels like a billion-dollar question these days), I’ve got some thoughts.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the nuances of vulnerability, trust, and what it truly means to connect with others, tune in. Your future self (and your social life) will thank you!
In this episode, we're talking about:
How recovery is unique for each person, and it involves much more than just food.
The desire for more authentic connection and belonging in recovery.
Approaching anxiety and discomfort with curiosity rather than judgment is crucial.
How to recognize when social events are outside your comfort zone.
Understanding that vulnerability doesn’t mean oversharing or being transparent too quickly but rather taking small steps to build deeper relationships gradually.
How to create a safer environment for connection by identifying a “safe person”.
Shifting your mindset in social situations.
Tweetable Quotes
"Recovery means something different to every person, and it's really great to try to describe it and break it down, what it means, and what it could look like." - Rachelle Heinemann
"If you're more vulnerable with somebody, you develop more trust, deeper trust." - Rachelle Heinemann
"We just sort of have to close our eyes and jump off the cliff to [a certain extent] with someone that lets us know that they might be a safe enough person to be vulnerable with." - Rachelle Heinemann
“You can't just build authentic connection by hanging out and not being vulnerable at all.” - Rachelle Heinemann
Resources
Grab the Replay of the Resistance in Treatment Webinar
Now accepting new clients! Find out if we're a good fit!
Related Episodes
Episode 137. Eating Disorder Recovery Cannot Happen Without This
Episode 115. How To Recover When Everyone Around You Is Dieting
Episode 108. The 1 Thing That Affects Every Single Person with an ED
Episode 94. Unraveling the Truth: It's Not About the Food
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Grab my FREEBIE!: As you navigate recovery, you may be feeling like something is missing. You're doing a lot of work challenging yourself with the food, your body, and exercise. You're probably working on lots of other things at the same time, like stuff at work or relationship issues.
But, still, something doesn't feel like you're getting to the bottom of it. Grab my free journal prompts below and begin to work through the emotions of healing.
More From Rachelle
Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
I believe in the power of deep work and its positive impact on your life in the long term. Learn more about how we can work together here.
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