181. What If I Relapse? Did I Fail?

Understanding Disordered Eating

Relapse isn't the end of recovery. It's part of it. There's this moment that happens for so many people in recovery, that sinking feeling when you realize some of those old patterns have crept back in. Maybe it's skipping a meal. Maybe it's the familiar swirl of guilt, shame, or perfectionism. Whatever form it takes, relapse can feel like you've failed. Like everything you've worked so hard for just… disappeared.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to meet relapse with curiosity, connect with what it's trying to teach you, and continue forward on your path to healing.

Tweetable Quotes

"Relapse isn't the end of recovery, guys. It's not the end of the road. It's a moment in it." - Rachelle Heinemann

"We're not going to label it as a success or failure, but we're going to explore it." - Rachelle Heinemann

"Is the body communicating something that the mind can't yet say?" - Rachelle Heinemann

"Even if it feels like you revisit the same old place, you are there with a lot more awareness and capacity than you have in the past." - Rachelle Heinemann

"Recovery happens in connection. Recovery cannot happen outside of connection." - Rachelle Heinemann

Resources

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Hidden River Healing provides compassionate, residential eating disorder treatment for girls, adolescents, and young women. Their expert clinical team emphasizes family involvement and individualized care in a beautifully designed facility surrounded by nature — a peaceful environment that supports recovery and lasting healing.

Program Highlights:

• Specialized care for ages 8 and up, including a dedicated house for Emerging Adults (21+) and Mid-Life Adults
• In-network with most commercial insurances
• Ability to treat NG tube patients

Learn more: hiddenriverhealing.com/about-us Follow on Instagram: @hiddenrivertx

NOTE: We will be taking next week off for Thanksgiving. See you in December!