Surviving the Holidays with an Eating Disorder

@Emsworld

♥ Do you find holidays stressful whilst managing your struggles/recovery?

Less so now that I'm a little further into recovery, but when I was struggling and early in recovery holidays were definitely hard! My family was not really aware of a lot of what was going on / not involved in my support system, so I felt pretty stranded without support during holidays and to combine that with all the food traditions that tend to be a part of holidays, it was really tough!

♥ Is there anything you have found helps with this stress or anxiety?

Making a plan in advance - just like I like to look at the restaurant menu before I go somewhere, it helped me to think about the traditional foods and remember that having a little of each of them wouldn't make drastic changes for me

Having easy-access support - I would keep a list of affirmations on my phone and check them when I needed them as though I was checking a text message. I also had a couple friends I could text if I needed some quick support

Reminding myself that no matter what, in X hours I would have gotten through it. For me that's always been a helpful way to cope - if I remember that there's an end date/time, I can do anything for X more hours!

Doing one thing before, one thing during, and one thing after to practice self care and help myself feel calmer. So for before, I might set aside an hour to drink tea and read so I feel calm going in. During I might have those affirmations on my phone. And after I might plan to talk to a friend to decompress.

♥ What tips/message would you give to those going through the holidays whilst struggling from an Eating Disorder?

You are strong, you are brave, and you are a warrior. The holiday might be hard, but it doesn't last forever. And you have support to get through this.
♥ Do you find that support systems help during this time?

Absolutely!