Eating disorders patients commonly have increased anxiety during the holidays. Therapeutic process groups during this season often spend time talking about the concerns that are ever-present at holiday gatherings as well as ways to cope during this time of year.

Eating disorders patients commonly have increased anxiety during the holidays. Therapeutic process groups during this season often spend time talking about the concerns that are ever-present at holiday gatherings as well as ways to cope during this time of year.

Eating disorder patients have the following similar concerns each year:

Eating disorders patients have increased anxiety about the fact that often times during the holidays you see extended family members who are not seen at other times of the year. For someone with an eating disorder, they may believe that everybody’s attention is focused on that person. Even though it may not be true, it certainly feels this way to an individual who is recovering from anorexia or bulimia.

People with anorexia or bulimia typically feel that family members will be watching to see if they eat and how much they are eating. This, in itself, can make following a meal plan extremely difficult.

People worry and catastrophize (they assume the worst will happen) about the comments that may be made about their physical appearance. People with eating disorders may also take what is a well meaning comment such as “you look healthy” and turn it into something negative.

Eating disorder patients are almost always overwhelmed by the amount of food, as well as the types of food present. For someone recovering from bulimia or anorexia, this can be an overwhelming experience.

Healthy support at the holidays

Eating disorder patients do not expect the food that is traditionally served at holiday gatherings be changed in order to make it easier on them. An important part of recovery is being present in the world and learning to cope with such triggers. But, there are a few things that may be helpful that will not make the individual feel there is too much focus on them.

Refrain from any comments about physical appearance will be helpful in not increasing the anxiety level of the person. As mentioned earlier, even the most positive comment can be twisted into something negative by a people with eating disorders. It may also be helpful to be mindful of the comments made about others’ physical appearance. It is common for people with anorexia or bulimia to struggle with physical comparisons.

Have distractions planned for the gathering such as a family game or moving into the living room to have conversation instead of remaining seated around the table may be helpful. This can take the focus off of the food and help put everyone at ease. Being away from the table can also help the person feel less self-conscious, thus potentially reducing anxiety.

Have an established safety plan with those closest to the person prior to walking into a situation known to be triggering. This can be as simple as having a code word they can use to step outside with a trusted person when they need to take a break from the crowd. Having a plan of what loved ones can do to provide support when they see the person with the eating disorder struggling is also helpful in reduction of anxiety.

It may be most important to know that sometimes there is nothing you can do to make the individual with the eating disorder feel comfortable and at ease during the family holiday. In these cases, the most you can do is help the person cope and manage their stress and anxiety.

Resources:
R.A.McCormick is the author of this article on Eating disorders. Find more information, about anxiety here

Author: Rudy McCormick

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