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Academic Reintegration

Returning to School After Eating Disorder Treatment

Many people getting treatment for eating disorders worry about life after recovery. Parents are often concerned about whether or not their adolescent will be ready to return to school after anorexia nervosa recovery.

Even if the client makes a lot of progress in treatment and seems to be ready to return to school, young adults often struggle with dealing with eating disorders in schools. The idea of returning back to school can be intimidating. School is in large part a social experience, and many adolescents, teens and young adults find themselves working very hard to fit in. The social pressure to fit in and look the part can lead to serious issues for anyone who is recovering from eating disorders in schools. Even after anorexia nervosa treatment, many clients continue to struggle with body image. Students and families can work with their treatment providers on academic reintegration.

Academic reintegration can help the student and family determine when they are ready to return to school and how to transition back. It can help clients deal with academic, athletic and social pressures as they transition from eating disorder treatment to school.

Eating Disorders Teaching Resources

Eating disorders teaching resources can help students, parents and teachers learn about the signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, what treatment options are available and other useful information. These resources can help clients learn to identify things that trigger eating disorder symptoms and identify positive coping skills.

Eating disorders teaching resources help clients have a good understanding of their eating disorder and what thoughts and behaviors drive it. They can help clients learn to cope with the challenges of both anorexia and school. These resources can help clients improve their body image. Schools that work with the treatment team to offer resources to students to help support academic reintegration.

Life After Anorexia Nervosa Treatment

Therapeutic services can help clients get back to daily life after anorexia treatment. These services include:

Academic Support

Academic support helps ensure that the client’s needs are met while they are in participating in treatment. Academic support can consist of close collaboration between the clinical treatment team, school personnel and the student’s parents.

Life Skills Development

Life skills development can help a person recovering from an eating disorder learn essential skills to assist them in school, such as relaxation and balance.  They also learn how to prioritize homework and other tasks and manage time. Life skills development can help with school stress and decision-making.

Aftercare and Discharge Planning

Discharge planning and aftercare can help with academic reintegration. Comprehensive discharge plans help provide support during the transition from treatment back to home and school. Aftercare is essential for sustained recovery from anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders.

Family Involvement

Family involvement can help a client adjust to life after anorexia treatment. Family involvement can include things like family therapy, conflict resolution and skills training. Family involvement can also help facilitate communication between the client’s family and school. This collaboration can help ensure that the school is aware of and can help meet the client’s specific needs and challenges at school.

Eating disorder recovery is not the same for every client nor is it a linear process. There can be many ups and downs on the road to recovery. That is why it is essential to have a supportive environment to turn to when challenges pop up along the way.

Ongoing therapeutic support is essential even after formal treatment ends. Clients that receive continuing support and encouragement during and after their eating disorder recovery have a better chance at recovery.

Academic reintegration does not have to be overwhelming. Ideally, treatment for anorexia and school reintegration services happen at the same time.  This can help strengthen recovery and prepare students to go back to school.

With guidance and support from a trusted treatment team, going back to school after anorexia treatment can be a great experience that results in higher satisfaction with school for the student.

Life After An Eating Disorder

Having the right tools and ongoing support, such as academic reintegration and aftercare services, can help clients become fully recovered from an eating disorder.