Living With Anorexia

Understanding Eating Disorders

Coping Strategies and Support

Summary:

Living with anorexia nervosa can be an isolating and exhausting experience. Many people describe feeling caught between wanting relief and feeling frightened of change. While every person’s journey is different, there are shared experiences and patterns that can help people feel less alone.

This article draws on common themes described by people living with anorexia, alongside coping strategies that are often explored in treatment and recovery.

Common experiences of living with anorexia

People living with anorexia often describe challenges that go beyond eating alone.

Feeling isolated

Many people report a growing sense of disconnection from others. Social situations involving food can feel overwhelming, leading to avoidance and withdrawal.

Over time, this isolation can reinforce the eating disorder and make it harder to reach out for help.

Fear and ambivalence about recovery

It is common to feel torn. On one hand, there may be a wish for things to improve. On the other, change can feel frightening or unsafe.

This ambivalence is a recognised part of anorexia and does not mean someone is “not trying hard enough”.

Using restriction as a coping mechanism

For some people, restricting food becomes a way of managing distress, anxiety, or a sense of being overwhelmed. Although it may feel protective in the short term, it often increases distress over time.

Understanding this function is an important part of recovery work.

Coping strategies people often find helpful

There is no single coping strategy that works for everyone. The approaches below are commonly explored and adapted to individual needs.

Building supportive connections

Recovery is rarely something that happens in isolation.

Support may come from:

• Family or carers

• Trusted friends

• Peer support spaces

• Healthcare professionals

  
  

Even small steps towards connection can reduce feelings of loneliness.

Finding alternatives to restriction

Many people work with clinicians to develop non-food-related ways of coping with distress, such as:

• Grounding techniques

• Writing or journalling

• Gentle sensory regulation

• Structured routines that support safety

  
  

These strategies are usually introduced gradually and collaboratively.

Learning to notice triggers

Triggers are not always obvious. They may include:

• Stress or pressure

• Changes in routine

• Emotional overwhelm

• Body-related discomfort

  
  

Recognising patterns can help people respond earlier and more compassionately to themselves.

Setting realistic expectations

Recovery is not linear. Progress often includes pauses, setbacks, and periods of uncertainty.

Focusing on small, achievable steps rather than outcomes can help maintain motivation and reduce self-criticism.

Practising self-compassion

Many people with anorexia experience a strong internal critical voice. Learning to respond with self-compassion can be challenging but meaningful.

This might involve:

• Reducing harsh self-judgement

• Acknowledging effort rather than “success”

• Accepting that recovery takes time

  
  

The role of professional support

While coping strategies can be helpful, anorexia is a serious condition that usually requires professional support.

Specialist care can help address:

• Physical health and safety

• Nutritional needs

• Psychological and emotional factors

• Underlying drivers of restriction

  
  

A multidisciplinary, assessment-led approach allows support to be tailored to the individual.

When it may be time to seek help

If anorexia is affecting physical health, emotional wellbeing, or daily life, professional input can be an important step. You do not need to wait until things feel “serious enough” to ask for support.

Early assessment can help clarify needs and identify appropriate options.

How we can help

At The Eating Disorders Clinic, we offer specialist, assessment-led support for people living with anorexia. Our work is collaborative, neurodiversity-informed, and focused on long-term wellbeing rather than quick fixes.

Support is tailored, paced carefully, and reviewed regularly.

A gentle next step

If you would like to talk through concerns or understand what support might be appropriate, you are welcome to book a free initial call with our team.

You can also review our Website to understand how we work before deciding on next steps.

Author: Stefanos Pagonidis – Clinical Director, Lead Dietitian at the Eating Disorders Clinic

References:

• Fairburn, C. G. (2008). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Eating Disorders. Guilford Press.

• Treasure, J., Schmidt, U., & van Furth, E. (2005). The Essential Handbook of Eating Disorders. John Wiley & Sons.

• National Health Service (NHS). (2020). Eating disorders – support and resources. Available at:NHS Website