Space To Breathe Therapy

Chapter One

Am I Ready to Return?

Returning to work or study after experiencing an eating disorder can bring excitement, uncertainty, anxiety and hope.

Recovery is not a race. Being ready to return does not mean every difficulty has disappeared. It means considering what is manageable, what support is available and whether returning is compatible with your health and treatment.

Important: If you are receiving eating disorder treatment, discuss your plans with your treatment team or GP. They can help assess your physical and emotional readiness.

How do I feel about returning?

What am I looking forward to? What tells me I might be ready for some parts of returning? What might need more time or support?

You are allowed to return gradually. You are also allowed to need more time. Neither decision measures your worth or progress.

Chapter Two

Understanding My Recovery Needs

Work and education can introduce routines, expectations and social situations that affect eating disorder recovery.

Your recovery needs are not inconveniences. They are part of looking after your health.

What support might I need?

Protected meal and snack breaks Time for treatment appointments A quiet eating space Flexible start or finish times

A reduced workload or timetable Regular supportive check-ins Help managing stress Sensory or communication adjustments

What helps me maintain the eating and rest routines recommended for my recovery? How can I protect time for appointments, treatment and support? What signs tell me that I may need more rest or support?

Recovery needs can change from week to week. A flexible plan is often more helpful than expecting every day to look the same.

Chapter Three

My Worries About Returning

Certain parts of work or education may feel particularly difficult during eating disorder recovery. Naming these worries can help you decide what support would make a difference.

What situations concern me?

What feels most difficult for me? Are there situations I would like support to manage? What would help me feel safer or more comfortable?

You do not have to explain your entire eating disorder history to an employer, tutor or classmate to ask for appropriate support.

Chapter Four

Adjustments That Could Help Me

Reasonable adjustments can help make work or study more accessible. The right support will depend on your health, your environment and your individual needs.

At work

Possible adjustments include a phased return, flexible hours, protected meal breaks, temporary changes to workload, time for treatment appointments and a named person to speak with.

At school, college or university

Support may include timetable flexibility, extensions, rest breaks, access to a quiet space, attendance adjustments, student wellbeing support and help planning around treatment appointments.

In the UK, eating disorders may meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 when their effects meet the legal criteria. This can give rise to a duty to make reasonable adjustments.

Which adjustments would make the biggest difference? Who could help me arrange these adjustments? How often would I like my adjustments reviewed?

Chapter Five

Talking to My Employer, Tutor or University

Conversations about recovery can feel personal. You can decide what information you are comfortable sharing, while providing enough information for relevant support requests.

A possible starting point:

"I am returning after a period of ill health. I am working on my recovery and would benefit from some adjustments to help me manage my health alongside work or study."

Asking for adjustments:

"I would like to discuss a gradual return, protected breaks and some flexibility for healthcare appointments. Could we agree a plan and review how it is working?"

What information am I comfortable sharing? What would I prefer to keep private? My own conversation or email draft

You can ask for a trusted person, advocate or support worker to help you prepare for a meeting or communicate your needs.

Chapter Six

My Personal Return Plan

This plan is a starting point for discussion, not a medical clearance or a requirement to return by a particular date.

I am returning to

Possible return date (optional)

What would a manageable starting timetable look like? What are my main priorities during the first few weeks? Who can I contact if I need help? What will I do if the plan becomes too demanding?

My gentle weekly plan

Add only what is useful. You do not need to fill every day or plan your recovery around productivity.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Weekend / Rest / Recovery

Keep the time needed for nourishment, rest, healthcare and recovery in your plan. Work or study should be adapted around essential health needs, not the other way around.

Chapter Seven

Checking In With Myself

A return plan is allowed to change. Checking in can help you recognise what is working and where additional support might be needed.

My check-in date

How am I feeling about work or study?

What has been going well? What has felt difficult? Have I been able to protect my recovery needs? What would help me over the coming days?

Previous Check-Ins

If returning is making recovery more difficult, tell your treatment team or GP and discuss changes to your work or study plan. Reducing demands or taking more time is a valid response to changing health needs.

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Returning to Work or Study in Recovery