What Does It Mean That Recovery Is Not Linear?

Choosing recovery from an eating disorder is a brave and important step, but it’s not always an easy one. When you decide to seek help and meet your healthcare team, you might expect things to fall into place quickly. It’s common to hope that once you get the support you need, the disordered thoughts will disappear. But recovery is a process, and the reality is that it takes time, patience, and persistence.

Getting support from professionals is such an important step in recovery, but it’s not a quick fix. Healing takes time, patience, and self-compassion—but it’s so worth it! With the right guidance, you’ll start to untangle unhelpful thoughts and learn ways to challenge them. And little by little, as you build confidence and trust in yourself, you’ll find the freedom that comes with a healthier relationship with food.

When people say “recovery isn’t linear,” they mean it’s a journey filled with ups and downs. Some days, you might feel strong, motivated, and like you’re hitting all your goals, while other days might feel frustrating or even like you’re taking steps backward. That’s completely normal! Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and setbacks don’t mean failure—they’re just part of the process.

Even if you don’t always see your progress, your support system and care team will. They can help you recognize the small victories, like challenging a fear food, showing yourself kindness, or simply making it through a tough day. Every step forward, no matter how small, adds up over time. So, on the hard days, lean on those who support you, trust the process, and remember that even imperfect progress is still progress.

Recovery doesn’t always follow a straight path—some days, you’ll have multiple wins, while other days, just getting through is enough. And that’s okay! Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Acknowledging your progress and finding moments of gratitude can help you stay motivated and build confidence for the road ahead.

Life after treatment doesn’t mean you’re completely free from challenges. Recovery is an ongoing process, and ups and downs are part of the journey. There will be good days, tough days, and everything in between—but even on the hard days, the important thing is that you’re still moving forward. Healing takes time, and each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to a healthier, more fulfilling life.