Eating disorders are characterized by the behaviors and thoughts experienced by people who are unable to control their eating habits. Of all eating disorders, the most common is binge eating disorder. People suffering from this disorder frequently eat excessive quantities of food. This compulsive episode is followed by the feel of losing control, shame, disgust, depression and guilt. Effective eating disorder treatment by a team of trained professionals can help the sufferer to get back on the normal track of life.

Anorexia nervosa is another kind of eating disorder. It is a severe, life-threatening eating disorder that affects both physical and mental health. This eating disorder is characterized by an irrational fear of gaining weight, with a persistent pursuit of a thin figure. To recover from this serious eating disorder, it is beneficial for people with anorexia to seek treatment from a trusted Center for Anorexia Treatment.

The specially trained clinical staff can help people with eating disorders recognize and change their thoughts and behaviors and help them begin living life without their eating disorder.

Even following a comprehensive treatment plan, people with eating disorders may encounter these typical challenges, especially around the holidays.

Eating disorders patients have increased anxiety about the fact that often times during the holidays you see extended family members who are not seen at other times of the year. For someone with an eating disorder, they may believe that everybody’s attention is focused on that person. Even though it may not be true, it certainly feels this way to an individual who is recovering from anorexia or bulimia.

People with anorexia or bulimia typically feel that family members will be watching to see if they eat and how much they are eating. This, in itself, can make following a meal plan extremely difficult.

People worry and catastrophize (they assume the worst will happen) about the comments that may be made about their physical appearance. People with eating disorders may also take what is a well meaning comment such as “you look healthy” and turn it into something negative.

Eating disorder patients are almost always overwhelmed by the amount of food, as well as the types of food present. For someone recovering from bulimia or anorexia, this can be an overwhelming experience.

Healthy support at the holidays

Families and friends should know that they should not be expected to change the food that is traditionally served at holiday gatherings. An important part of recovery for people who have struggled with eating disorders is being present in the world and learning to cope with such triggers. But, there are a few things that may be helpful that will not make the individual feel there is too much focus on them.

Refrain from any comments about physical appearance will be helpful in not increasing the anxiety level of the person.  As mentioned earlier, even the most positive comment can be twisted into something negative by a people with eating disorders. It may also be helpful to be mindful of the comments made about others’ physical appearance. It is common for people with anorexia or bulimia to struggle with physical comparisons.

Have distractions planned for the gathering such as a family game or moving into the living room to have conversation instead of remaining seated around the table may be helpful. This can take the focus off of the food and help put everyone at ease. Being away from the table can also help the person feel less self-conscious, thus potentially reducing anxiety.

Have an established safety plan with those closest to the person prior to walking into a situation known to be triggering. This can be as simple as having a code word they can use to step outside with a trusted person when they need to take a break from the crowd. Having a plan of what loved ones can do to provide support when they see the person with the eating disorder struggling is also helpful in reduction of anxiety.

It may be most important to know that sometimes there is nothing you can do to make the individual with the eating disorder feel comfortable and at ease during the family holiday. In these cases, the most you can do is help the person cope and manage their stress and anxiety.

R.A.McCormick is the author of this article on Eating Disorders Treatment. Find more information, about Anorexia Treatment Center here