Merry Stressmas and a Healthy New Year!
© Heather Mudgett.
I've said it before and I'll say it again.... This time of year can be stressful for many people. Even more so, perhaps, for those of us who are struggling with an eating disorder. Now, I know that I've already touched on this subject, so I'll keep this brief. I've come across a few articles and pages which relate to the heightened level of stress at this time of year, and I'd like to pass them along to you.
EATING DISORDERS AND THE HOLIDAYS is a excellent article, written by Randy K. Hardman, PhD. Quotes from anorexics and bulimics in treatment are included to illuminate the distress and turmoil that can be experienced at this time of year. Hardman offers several coping suggestions for those with eating disorders as well as a list of helpful ideas for friends and family.
MERRY STRESSMAS Healthy Way Magazine presents a matter of fact review of holiday stresses and how to cope. While not directly related to people with eating disorders, it offers many general suggestions for coping at this time of year. This article also provides a number of related links which you may find both informative and interesting.
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS - This insightful article was written by Sharon Sward from the Eating Disorder Professionals of Colorado. She is the author of You Are More Than What You Eat and is a radio talk show host who specializes in eating disorders. In addition to her insight into eating disorders and how difficult this time of year can be for those who are struggling with them, she also has a great list of ideas to help you cope.
OK. Enough about the stress aspect of the holidays. Let's move on to the NEW YEAR!.
With the new year fast approaching, I am considering topics for next year's articles. I've had a request from a few readers to explore eating disorders in various ethnic groups. Look for an article about this subject early next year. A few people have also written to me, asking me to look further into the effect that Hollywood and the media have on our perceptions of our own bodies. So, I will work on getting an article together to further explore that topic. Also, while browsing through some of the eating disorders discussion boards & chat rooms (see my links page) I've noticed a number of eating disorder sufferers, who also struggle with self-hurt (often called "cutting"). I've been doing some reading on the subject, and will put together an article on it next year. If you have any input or suggestions, on these, or any other subjects which you would like to see addressed here, please send me an e-mail at mudge1068@ivillage.com. I value your input, and look forward to your comments.
