Content warning- This article will discuss eating disorders and the effects of them
The amount of food that surrounds the holidays is overwhelming. The entire season is dominated by family meals, advent calendars and sweets on Christmas trees. But for people who have struggled with an eating disorder, the holidays can seem less like a fun period and more like a challenge.
Christmas day is dominated by the idea of a christmas meal, snacks and drinking and as someone who has suffered with an eating disorder, it can feel massively overwhelming. The whole run up to the day itself, people ask what you’re most excited to eat. Not much of it but trying to answer in a funny way so no one catches on is hard. Many people in recovery can find the season can push them back into the spiral. I remember crying an hour before Christmas dinner because I couldn’t handle the idea of a full plate and unfortunately this is a common experience for many.
Anorexia during the holidays can lead to massive anxiety about the way it’s coming up. It can take away from the excitement for the rest of the holidays and there is a pressure to eat many foods that may be typically restricted by the person suffering. Many find stress in inviting relatives over due to the comments that may be made about weight, bodies and health which can draw attention to the suffering an individual is going through. However well meaning these comments could be, it can be massively triggering to the individual that is suffering. As someone who has suffered, it can be brutal to have to endure these comments and keep pretending everything is fine when you’re internally suffering a battle no one can fully understand.
Alongside this, parents can struggle watching their children suffer as they try and make the day even more special to make up for the struggle going on within their child. While the sentiment behind this is lovely, it can make the pressure increase more and more as those struggling feel like they have to put up an act to make up for the struggle they put their family through.
Having to eat infront of massive groups of people, face a struggle of fear food and pretend everything is okay when it is far from it can be a horrible experience. But no one is alone. There is always help available for those who need it, even on Christmas day. Eating disorders can and do ruin lives and being supported by those around you during a holiday season is vital to recovery. Reaching out and confiding in those around you is important, but if you feel you cannot, there is a variety of helplines available.
The holidays are tough, especially with an eating disorder. But it can be managed. Reach out to those around you, and remember that it is always possible to make it through tough periods.
Help is always available
beat- https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support
A second year student studying Journalism and film, with a love for all things music and horror
