~*Please note: These are not a straight line going from point A to point B!! No!!!In fact, you can be in action and suddenly find yourself contemplating again...Let's take a look at the 5 recovery stages.

"Pre-Contemplation Stage" In this stage, there is no intention/motivation to change behaviors in a near future. Often, the person is not even aware that there's something wrong. It's mostly friends and family who express concern and worries. Examples: "I DON'T have a problem, back-off! Let me BE!" "Maybe I have a problem,but there's no need to change!"

"Contemplation Stage" At this point, the person is aware she/he has a problem that she/he really wants to overcome...yet,still without engaging into therapy,counselling,etc. The person *knows* deep down, that she/he has to change but doesn't feel ready, not just yet. People can stay at this stage for a long time,sometimes for several years. Examples: "I know I have to change...but I'll do it later." ""

"Preparation Stage" Now,the individual has made a commitment to make a change.The person has tried to change her,however, unsuccessfully.She had managed to shorten her anorexic phases and/or her bingeing/purging...but hasn't been able to go on with it.She weighs the pros and cons this disease bring in her life... call a lot of clinics, trying to find out resources are available to help them in their attempt. Examples: "Woah! I've gone too far this time..." "I have to do something about it.Some things have to change."

"Action Stage" The person is now actively doing something about it. She is developing new habits, meets with a nutritionnist, psychologist, physchiatrist,etc. There is a noticible changes in eating behaviors. But if she leaves treatment and she is still in this stage there's a much stronger likelihood to relapse. Examples: "It's very hard, but I decided to fight it!" "Even if it's hard,I have to keep going.The more I work on this, the easier it gets."

"Maintenance Stage" The person tries to remember everything she was "taught" in the previous stage and works on maintaining those healthy habits. There is much less likely to relapse if leaving treatment at this stage. Examples: "Hey, I'm starting to get a grip on this, I'm going to win the battle.Only, I must not give up!"

A few tips:
If you find yourself in the first two stages, I would strongly suggest that you question yourself so that your desire for change improves. To do so, you can sit down for 1 hour and think. Look at the pros and cons of this disease and its impact on you & your life. Ask yourself in what ways the anorexia or bulimia is your friend and in what ways is it your enemy. That way, you'll acheive a better sense of understanding...