TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of Eating Disorders
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This article is solely based on my own personal experiences. Eating disorders are very complexed and there is no linear way of experiences and coping. If you feel that your struggles are becoming too heavy to carry, please contact the Eating Disorder Foundation for further help and information. You deserve help. <3
Here we are, the end of the year. Where back-to-back family and friends are brought together for intense food gatherings.
As the excitement builds, so does the anxiety of the idealization and glorifying holidays, where food is the center piece around everything. If you are not eating during these gatherings then you are considered rude mannered. If you eat too much you are told you have “piggish” manners.
While you are attempting to please everyone around you (but yourself), you are fighting the inner battle of the destruction of your mental health with food.
Having an eating disorder during the holidays is truly an exhausting time for, not only your body, but your mind as well.
For me, I am constantly strategizing my next move with food during this time. Whether that is fasting for a day, or pretending to eat a full plate of food then tossing it in the trash at dinner. Or, hiding away and pretending to be too occupied with more important things.
As I have been through many high anxiety holidays, I started to find ways that I can cope with my eating disorder, in a way that feels healthy for me.
Here are a few things that have helped me personally:
- Eating smaller but multiple portions
- Drinking water during meals instead of sugary drinks
- Having a mint or chewing gum after eating
- Distracting myself by having a conversation with someone or watching something while eating
- Wear cozy comfy clothes that I feel confident in
These are just a few ways that have helped me overcome the anxiety of food and the holidays. Things do not get better or change over night, but by taking the steps that need to be taken it helps create a healthy environment for you and food.