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Warning Signs

There are many warning signs that a person may be about to relapse

Being able to recognise these warning signs will put you one step ahead of the eating disorder. You can then work together to prevent the escalation of symptoms before they get out of hand.

Orange Flags: Early Warning Signs

Behavioural Changes	Lapsing of any healthy behaviours or routines, such as regular eating Cutting out snacks Increasing incidental exercise Switching from full fat to low-fat products Spending increased time in front of the mirror
Social, Emotional, & Other Changes	Preoccupied thoughts creeping back in Increased focus on food (i.e. thinking/talking more about food, researching recipes)
Disordered Thoughts	"It's okay if I skip morning tea today - one snack won't make a difference." "I've eaten a piece of chocolate, stuff it, I may as well just keep eating." "I can't go and see my friends today; I look too fat/my clothes don't fit/people will judge me." "I've had a terrible day at work, but if I grab some take-away food on the way home and treat myself I will feel better." "I'm feeling so angry and fed-up, I think going for a run will make me feel better."

Red Flags: High-Risk Warning Signs

Behavioural Changes	Cutting out entire fruit groups (i.e. carbohydrates, dairy) Skipping meals and/or snacks Avoiding certain clothing due to concerns over weight or shape
Social, Emotional, & Other Changes	Avoiding social outings due to concerns about food choices and/or eating in front of others Emotional avoidance and 'numbing out' Withdrawing from friends or family
Disordered Thoughts	"I don't deserve to eat morning tea today." "If I don't go for a run, then I can't go out for dinner tonight." "If I eat that then I have to skip lunch" "I must start a new exercise program to lose weight because I'm too fat." "I've vomited today, I vomited yesterday. I can't do this; I won't ever get better."

Getting back on track

Work together with the person on ways to address these behaviours before a full-blown relapse occurs.

Here are some examples on how to get the person back on track:

Meal planning
Work out exactly what and where the person will eat each day, to ensure that food choices are not driven by the eating disorder or by emotions.
Meal Support
Ensure that the person has practical supports during mealtimes.
Set alarms as a reminder to have meal or snack.
Provide psychoeducation about the importance of regular eating.
Use any strategy that worked for them in the past.
Motivational interviewing techniques.
Encourage the person to book an earlier review with their psychologist (as there may be wait times).

Remind the person of how they have achieved change in the past and what tools were useful for them along the way.

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