Hoping for Happy Holidays

It's been quite awhile since I've last posted an article. I'm pleased to announce that my son was born in early November, and is doing great. I apologize for the delay, but I'm back in action again, and looking forward to sharing with you about the topic of eating disorders.

It's holiday time once again, and though the holidays are be a wonderful time of year for many people, they can be especially difficult for people with an eating disorder. Even those who consider themselves recovered from an eating disorder, may find the holidays to be especially trying.

Part of the reason is the food. Everywhere you turn, someone is offering you food. Go to the bank and there's a box of candy at each teller's window. Go the the department store and there are displays of delectable goodies at every turn. And the grocery store? Oh my, don't even get me started! Then of course you have the parties. Walk into a party and you are handed a glass of champagne or wine. In every direction are plates of tasty appetizers and bowls of holiday treats. Sit down to the main meal and be overwhelmed be the platters of steaming delights.... roast turkey, honeybaked ham, mashed potatoes, yams dripping with melted butter. Ok... ok... I think I've made my point. I'll stop with the food descriptions for now, as I am starting to feel my stomach growl!

Now, another difficult aspect of the holidays is the inevitable interaction with family and friends. For many of us, our relationships with family (and friends too, perhaps!) is a major influence on our eating disorder. So living it up with mom & pop may or may not be your cup of tea at this point.

So, how to get through the holidays with out losing your mind? (or your lunch... ha ha.... sorry, just a bit of bulimic humor...) If you are a friend or family member to someone with an eating disorder, try to remember that this is not the time to confront or pressure them. Trust me, they are stressing out just fine on their own, and don't need you popping up every five minutes with unneccessary comments ("that's ALL you're going to eat?") or uncomfortable confrontations ("why are you always going to the bathroom right after we eat?"). If you are the one with the eating disorder, I am sending you a big 'ole cyber hug. Try to get through these next few weeks without being too hard on yourself. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by all the food and goodies people offer you. Eat what you can without freaking out, and then stop. Who cares what anyone else thinks... you are taking care of you. A suggestion, if I may.... when at a holiday party, you might want to avoid the alcohol. A few glasses of beer or champagne can really screw with your head, and you might find yourself slipping to bad habits without even realizing it. As for the friends and family.... just take everything they say with a grain of salt. If you are getting comments that make you uncomfortable, you might have to stand up for yourself and let them know that this isn't the time to discuss it. I know, that is easier said than done, but don't let them get you down. Remember, they care about you, and are concerned.

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