The word “relapse” seems to scare a lot of people, but I am not sure why.
For most people, relapsing means that you quit trying or that you failed. I am still not sure why.
Relapsing is a taboo, a shame that hangs heavily over both the person and their loved ones. Again, I am not sure why.
I am not sure why we need to think of relapsing in such a negative way. Relapsing happens and, you know what? Relapsing is much more common than people realize.
People relapse all the time, and not just when it comes to drugs or to alcohol. People relapse when they quit their diet or when they go back on an old habit, like biting their nails. It happens to just about everyone.
In fact, I have relapsed countless times when it comes to my eating disorder. Did I feel shameful about it? Did I think people saw me as a failure? Well, yes of course. But, if anything, that made me fall deeper into my relapse than help me want to get better.
It was not until I realized how strong and brave those who relapsed were that I started trying to heal again. Despite their shortcomings, they admitted that they relapsed. They admitted that something went wrong. No one likes to do that.
I look at how people shake their heads at celebrities or even ordinary people for going to rehab multiple times. Why do we get so disgusted? They are going back because they know they need help. They want to try again. That is what is important.
If you have relapsed, do not feel afraid to admit it. By admitting it, you are letting your own self know that you need more help. If you steer clear from saying so, you are going to feel worse or will find yourself falling deeper into a hole. You do not deserve that.
We as a whole need to stop punishing people for relapsing. We need to help them heal.
People who relapse are not a lost cause, no matter how many times they fall.