‘Physically it was fine, I'd eat what normal people do. But it's never like this in my head’: A qualitative diary study of daily experiences of life in recovery from an eating disorder

Abstract

ObjectiveHigh eating disorder (ED) relapse rates stress the need for clearer understanding around how recovery is experienced and maintained. Recent research endorses the concept of recovery as a process rather than an endpoint. This study aimed to investigate daily experiences of living in recovery from an ED.MethodFourteen participants who self‐identified as recovered from a formally diagnosed ED were recruited online. A qualitative diary app was used for data collection. Participants completed written or audio open‐ended diary entries every other day for 2 weeks describing their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Diaries were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes were developed. ‘Ever‐present eating disordered thoughts’ highlights how pervasive these thoughts remain for participants. ‘Impact of social discourses’ unpacks the challenges of maintaining recovery while surrounded by unhelpful social discourses about food and body image. ‘Recovery is precarious’ highlights how a combination of stressors can build up to threaten recovery. ‘Finding balance in recovery’ illustrates the many ways participants try to manage their recovery each day.ConclusionsThe findings make it clear that living in recovery from an ED is a complex process that must be navigated daily. Recommendations for treatment and recovery support are discussed.