Support for People in Recovery During the Holidays

This time of year is among the hardest for people with eating disorders. Holidays focus on food as a central part of the celebration with much fanfare and little escape. The result is extremely high anxiety for people with eating disorders combined with feeling an enormous amount of exposure and pressure.

Since there is no way to change the nature of the holidays, how can people with eating disorders and their family and friends make the time of year more manageable?

First, people with eating disorders can try to prepare by telling themselves some facts about this period of time. As hard as it seems, the time is short and will end soon.

Second, the internal pressure is almost always harder and more intense than the external pressure.

Third, have a plan to take breaks and to designate one person at the holiday to be the person to rely on for support. Feeling less alone makes this time a bit easier.

Friends and family can support people with eating disorders first and foremost by being kind and understanding. Eating disorders are so isolating, and any attempt to provide support without judgment goes a long way.

Checking in with the person to see how they are helps a lot as does distracting them by having a conversation about something else or taking a walk.

Ultimately, all support from a kind place is the most important support.

In the end, preparing for this time of the year can make the holidays more manageable for people in recovery. Now would be the time to strategize how to make things easier during this period.