Relapse Prevention

Recovery is never a straight trajectory forward

It instead involves many lapses and even relapses. 

A lapse is a temporary return to an eating disorder behaviour, while a relapse is a full-blown return to the eating disorder behaviours and thoughts. 

Lapses and relapses can provide an opportunity to: 

• Consolidate the strategies that are and are not working 
• Help to identify triggers 
• Provide an opportunity to learn new coping techniques  

Identifying triggers 

Given that we expect that setbacks will happen, we can take steps to try to prevent them.  

Identify potential triggers that might set-off the eating disorder and minimise these wherever possible. 

Start by asking the person: “Are there any ‘high-risk’ situations, people or emotions that might trigger eating disorder thoughts and behaviours?” 

Potential triggers include: 

• Unstructured time 
• Stress from work/school/relationships 
• Conflict with a partner/family member/friend 
• Feeling bored 
• Feeling of loneliness, shame, anger 
• Feelings of uncertainty 
• Eating a food that triggers feelings of guilt 
• Becoming overwhelmed by emotion 
• Role transitions (i.e. from being in a relationship to being single; from being a student to being in the workforce; moving out of home) 
• Pregnancy 

Once you have identified potential triggers, brainstorm more adaptive ways of coping. 

For example: 

• Develop a list of activities that can be done during unstructured time or when feeling bored (include self-care and self-soothing activities). 
• Use problem-solving skills to minimise stress brought on by work/school/relationships. 
• Practice Urge Surfing to help manage uncomfortable or overwhelming emotions. 
• Increase access to psychological supports during difficult periods, such as role transitions. 
• Talk to a support person.