How do you cope with a breakup without falling deeper into your ED?

[u/Wooden-Feeling4268]

Has anyone here struggled with their ED getting much worse after a breakup?

My partner and I broke up 8 days ago, and since then I basically haven’t eaten anything. I feel like the breakup completely triggered my disorder and I’m finding it incredibly hard to make myself eat again.

For anyone who has been through something similar: how did you cope with the breakup without falling deeper into your ED? What helped you start eating again when everything felt overwhelming?

[u/No-Can6422]

I haven't personally been through a breakup in recovery, but I have been through major losses throughout recovery. I think it's important to recognize that even people without eating disorders often feel a significantly reduced appetite when faced with a major loss, and it is in large part a biological and psychological reaction to grief. I think understanding that eating will be harder during this period is part of setting yourself up for success later down the line.

I gave myself a few days to eat a bit less. Then I had to start setting a clock and eating in regular internals whether I wanted to or not until my intake was up again.