A good friend and follower of my blog suggested that I do an article highlighting how traumatic the Holiday season can be for those individuals suffering from a debilitating eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa. This remarkable young woman has battled bulimia for years and years, yet through immeasurable amounts of hard work, countless doctors’ appointments, and the support of her family, friends, and other loved ones she now has a grip on her future and has been able to regain control over this disease. I have immense admiration for her for many reasons, but the lengths to which she has gone to tackle this disorder is astounding and truly one of the most inspirational aspects about her! Her road to recovery has been unquestionably difficult and her perseverance through every single daily battle is unreal. She is inspiring in so many ways and I am so thankful that I have gotten to know this beautiful, intelligent, articulate, and amazing woman. That being said I just really wanted to seize all of the encouragement and inspiration that I have received from her, and pass it on to ANYONE out there who reads this article who happens to be suffering from an eating disorder of any sort. Please know that you have options! I’m definitely no expert on the issue but from what I’ve heard the road to recovery will be difficult and you may have to utilize several different avenues of support and treatment. That being said, it is of dire importance that you take that first, tough step of admitting that there is a problem at hand and get the help and treatment that you need. I would be happy to speak with anyone who is struggling yet doesn’t know exactly where to start. Even if all you want is someone to talk to, I will be right there to offer my love, support, and prayers!
I would be lying if I told you that the constant pressures I am faced with every day to look a certain way didn’t bother me. The messages from the both the media and our peers, make it extremely difficult to stay truly “healthy” in every aspect of the word. The young woman that I referred to earlier sent me this article. I thought it was really eye opening and I think anyone who has ever thought about, been involved in, or experienced an eating disorder in some shape can benefit from reading this article published on the Center for Change website. You can visit the website and read the entire article (which I highly recommend) at http://centerforchange.com/articles/holidays.php?c=91. This particular article shares Holiday eating stories from the perspective of actual eating disorder sufferers. I’ve picked out a couple of points that I found especially encouraging that I wanted to share with you all. Again, I found this information from the Center for Change’s website; it is not my own content.
Here are a few ways suggested on the site that YOU can help a family member or friend who may be suffering from an eating disorder this Holiday season. I found number six especially interesting and I think it should be applied to ALL family get-togethers this year, not only to those who are dealing with a family member who is in the midst of an eating disorder. It’s easy to make meals the centralized focus of each holiday, but try this year to make other things as important as the meals. Maybe plan a game night, or family-wide volunteering opportunity, or go play out in the snow together! Rather than making Christmas about food, try to make it more meaningful than that. Focus on the importance of spending time together and remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON! Anyway, here are the suggestions from Center for Change. Enjoy!
- If your loved one is a child or adolescent in treatment, and/or if you are involved in Maudsley/Family Based Treatment, then continue with your regular outlined treatment plan through the Holidays
- If your loved ones is a child or adolescent with anorexia, then learn about the Maudsley/ Family Based Treatment approach. It is important to give this approach consideration.
- If your loved one is an acute medical or self harm risk then arrange for intensive medical/psychiatric care immediately.
- Get professional help for your loved one with those who have experience and expertise with eating disorder treatment.
- It is important for everyone to be honest and up front with each other.
- It is important to emphasize the purpose for the celebration of the holiday and focus less on food or meals
- It is important for family and friends not to feel responsible and guilty for the eating disorder
- It can be helpful during the holiday season to break activities into smaller numbers of people, when possible.
- Encourage your family member or friend to gather extra support around themselves during the holidays
- It is important for family and friends to remove any unreasonable behavior expectations or pressures of performance
- It is important to offer care "giving" and not care "taking.” Being a self declared nurse, dietitian, therapist, or detective takes you out of your most important role – "loved one"
Hardman, Randy K. PhD and Berrett, Michael E. PhD. "Coping With a Loved Ones' Eating
Disorder During the Holidays." Center for Change. 2 December 2010. http://centerforchange.com/articles/holidays.php?c=91 .
I hope you all have gained new knowledge on this issue and are encouraged to inspire as well as support those in your life who you feel may be suffering from a disorder. Happy December!
God bless and Stay HEALTHY!
Emily
