Self-love is liberating, but it takes dedication and effort to get to that place. For those recovering from an eating disorder, taking time for self-care is an especially important part of recovery. That’s why we asked three NEDA bloggers for their best tips on how to start your journey to self-love.  

Chase Bannister is the founder, senior vice president and chief strategy & clinical integrity officer for Veritas Collaborative, a specialty hospital system for the treatment of eating disorders in a gender-diverse and inclusive environment. He is credentialed as a certified eating disorder specialist by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and is a licensed clinical social worker.

If you were to take a look at any of my social media accounts, you would find a few common factors: cute photos of my puppy and cat snuggling, posts about the funny things that the children I nanny say and posts of gratitude toward my loving support system.

I understand the dangers of being over-confident in recovery. During late 2003, I became over-confident to the point of thinking I was over my eating disorder.

For me, substance abuse goes hand in hand with my eating disorder. Also, and more importantly, I believe substance abuse needs to be a part of the conversation. Addicts have been beaten down and made to believe they are unworthy of social acceptance. Due to this lack of understanding, my confidence has taken a serious turn for the worse. 

It’s interesting that something so good for you can be downright terrifying. The early stages of ED recovery are filled with a flood of emotions and daily challenges, but also the promise of liberation and new life. Sometimes, it can seem as though the process is impossible; maybe you feel that you’re too far into your disorder or that you don’t even deserve recovery in the first place. 

Professional support for an eating disorder can be expensive, so as you transition into college, it’s important to know what resources are out there to help you find support that fits your budget. While your school’s counseling center can be a great resource to start seeking support, many counseling centers aren’t designed to provide long-term support for students. 

"Dear KJ" is a weekly advice column by Dr. Kjerstin "KJ" Gruys, sociologist, author and body image activist. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology with a focus on the politics of appearance and is the author of Mirror Mirror Off the Wall: How I Learned to Love My Body By Not Looking at It for a Year (Avery Press, 2012).

If you’re in recovery, returning to campus can be stressful. These resources from Proud2Bme, NEDA’s online community for young people, will help you feel prepared to start this semester on a high note. 

Worry Less, Enjoy More: The Freshman Year Survival Guide

Dr. Lesley Williams is a certified eating disorder specialist, family medicine physician and positive body image advocate. She co-owns Liberation Center, an eating disorder treatment facility, in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Williams is dedicated to ensuring that all women and men that struggle with eating and body image issues receive the help that they need to overcome and live happy, healthy lives. Dr. Williams regularly educates other healthcare professionals about the diversity and dangers of eating disorders.