When you are done with treatment, you may think that you are golden; that you are free to roam the earth as if you never had any struggles. Not so quick. Leaving treatment and tossing yourself back into the real world can leave you with a high probability of a downhill spiral rather quickly. You may be feeling strong – but that is under controlled conditions. Please take note: Reality is not controlled. That means you are going to have to re-learn how to succeed with your new toolbox of skills. Sure, you have that new toolbox of skills, but choosing to go the route of an inpatient transitional living facility can surely solidify your newfound knowledge.

Relapse is real – the numbers don’t lie. You have worked hard to tackle your eating disorder – why would you chance it? Maybe the following can convince you that inpatient transitional living can prevent an eating disorder relapse.

The Numbers

Eating disorders are very prevalent. In fact, in 2011 there were 30 million known individuals suffering with an eating disorder. Not to mention that these disorders have the highest mortality rate over any other mental illness. It is not to be taken lightly.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the dreadful statistics do not stop with prevalence and mortality rates. Even those individuals who seek treatment and are in recovery have a high rate of relapse –30 to 50% will relapse within six months!

These numbers tell us what we already know – eating disorders do not just go away. Those suffering from them will remain in recovery and need to transition through life slowly in order to maintain control. Unlike other disorders or addictions, food is necessary for living. Are you ready?

Learn Life Skills (otherwise known as independent living skills)                            

When recovering from an eating disorder, the most basic skills may be hard to conquer.Not to mention that basic living skills must be re-learned using the newly acquired coping skills. It may seem unnecessary to learn these tasks, but being comfortable handling required daily chores can reduce stress and the risk of relapse.

Her are a few of the skills learned while in a transitional living facility:

• Time Management Skills – When we run short on time or we do not plan our schedules properly, we become stressed and overwhelmed. You will learn how to be successful at planning your day and organizing tasks so they can be completed on-time and without worry.
• Problem Solving Skills – Life is always going to throw curve balls, no matter how prepared you are. So, having strong problem-solving skills is super important. During your stay in an inpatient transitional living facility you will learn how to work through any obstacle that arises while remaining whole.
• Cooking – This skill set is especially important due to the nature of the disorder. Learning healthy cooking habits can ensure that you are obtaining the optimal amount of nutrition while getting yourself comfortable with handling the food.
• Personal Hygiene –Taking care of yourself is important. Feeling good about yourself can increase your self-esteem. When you feel good on the inside – and the outside – it shows.
• Cleaning – Because, let’s face it, it feels good to feel comfortable in your own personal space. Clutter, grime, and dirty laundry can snowball into larger projects if not taken care of in a timely manner. Using your time management skills, you will have a spotless place in no time!

Emotional Support

Emotional support after treatment is very important. You have learned coping skills in treatment, but an inpatient transitional living facility will give you the opportunity to put those skills into practice – allowing you to slowly step your foot into the real world. Interpersonal conflicts, fear and anxiety, and the ever-present thoughts of your eating disorder will require your attention. Trying to handle them alone can make you overwhelmed, stressed, and lead you into a vicious cycle with your eating disorder. Support is a must.

Accountability

Many people who suffer from eating disorders tend to isolate themselves to hide what they don’t want others to see. Choosing to move into an inpatient transitional facility forces accountability. You will learn how to go through the actions of life, but will not be able to seclude yourself and avoid support.

You will live with others who are overcoming the same struggles and learn together how to have a normal and natural relationship with food. Learning how to properly grocery shop, how to balance nutrition, fitness, and a healthy mind.

Sharing your journey with others can provide a strong basis for continued support and positive growth.

Plans for a stable future.

Having a solid plan or, at the very least, a goal, can give you some direction for your future. Inpatient transitional living can provide you with the knowledge, tools, and guidance to secure this before facing life on your own. Life is full of responsibilities so it is extremely helpful when you don’t have to face them unprepared. A few things that you will learn:

• Employment – Most inpatient transitional facilities will help you to secure employment. Not only will having a job assist you will responsibilities, but it will help with your self-esteem and confidence, as well.
• Education – For those not ready for the workforce, inpatient transitional living can guide you on the path to earning your high school diploma, GED, or possibly begin earning college credits.
• Responsibility – you will learn how to balance yourself with your responsibilities. Learning how to maintain a healthy balance can lead to success.

Overcoming an eating disorder does not happen overnight. Once treatment is completed you may feel you are strong enough to brave the world. But, the truth is, recovery can be hard and overwhelming. After all, you just learned to change your whole way of living! Choosing to move into an inpatient transitional living facility can give you the support, skills, and accountability you need to succeed once and for all.