Overcoming the holidays with an eating disorder.
The holiday season might feel far away, but time flies, and it’ll be here before we know it! For those dealing with disordered eating, the holidays can be a particularly stressful time. With a variety of foods and plenty of social gatherings, it’s common to feel anxious leading up to each event. Whether you’re facing triggers for the first time or have been through this before, talking to an expert can be really helpful, especially when navigating new situations. In this blog, we’d like to highlight why it’s important to start getting ready for the holidays now and encourage you to take those first steps!
5 Reasons to get support for eating disorders during the holidays
1. Get a deeper understanding of the disordered eating habits
- Working with a multidisciplinary healthcare team can help you gain a deeper understanding of your presentation and the various factors that may have contributed to it. You’ll learn more about its effect on the body and how to manage them. This insight can clarify why you feel the way you do, allowing you to address these challenges more positively before the holiday season.
2. Develop effective coping skills
- Healthcare professionals, particularly therapists, and dietitians, can support you in this area, especially during the holiday season when social gatherings and food can feel overwhelming. They’ll help you tackle any challenges you’re facing and provide practical tips to help you ground yourself and find calm in tough situations. The best part is that starting treatment early allows you to practice these techniques in your daily life before the holidays arrive, so you’ll feel more confident when the time comes. Seeking help ahead of time can really equip you with the coping strategies you need to navigate these challenges!
3. Have a supportive safe environment
- One of the most important aspects of seeking help is having the space and freedom to express yourself. Your voice truly matters! Sometimes, you just need to talk about how you’re feeling—whether it’s about your mental health or your relationship with food—without looking for immediate solutions. A dietitian or therapist is there to listen to you, making sure you feel seen and heard without any judgment. You can share your worries, as well as any feelings of shame or guilt you may have. Remember, even though eating disorders can feel isolating and lonely, you’re not alone in this journey!
4. Provide extra help when planning for the holidays
- Both therapists and dietitians can support you in planning for the holiday season and addressing any concerns you might have. Dietitians specifically,can help you manage the stress around food that often comes up during this time. You can openly discuss any trigger foods that might be present at gatherings and come up with a plan to handle them. They’ll also encourage you to create a support circle—whether it’s friends at the gathering or someone you can text or call for encouragement when you need it.
5. Develop healthy boundaries
- Setting healthy boundaries is important for recovery, especially during the holiday season when family members might comment on weight, share their diet plans for the new year, or talk about their gym routines after indulging. Although these discussions may not be intended to hurt, they can be triggering for those dealing with eating disorders. Your healthcare team can assist you in identifying specific triggers and suggest where setting boundaries could be helpful.
Remember, it’s never too early to begin your recovery journey! While it may be challenging at times, the rewards are truly worth it. If you’re looking for a caring dietitian to support you along the way, contact us today! Taking this step will bring you closer to a healthier relationship with food and a happier, healthier life!
