Here you will find discussion and personal stories related to the particular stresses and challenges that come with holidays and special occasions.
Suggestions and recommendations are here for moving through these special days as best you can, depending on your level of recovery.
Eggs, Jesus, Rabbits, Candy and Eating Disorder Recovery
Thoughts on Easter
Holidays can be triggering for you if you have an eating disorder. Easter can mean family gatherings, big dinners and Easter baskets loaded with candy. You may be anxious if you are in the midst of such an experience. You may be anxious and depressed if you are NOT in the midst of such an experience.
I invite you to step back from your current state of mind and take a look at the meaning of Easter. A friend wrote me today saying, "I don't get the connection between rabbits, eggs and Jesus."
Here's my response to her.Thanksgiving Food Fears? Get Help Now
Eating Disorder Emergency Tips for New Years
Pre Binge Symptoms
If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia or binge eating disorder the end of a holiday season can leave you in this fragile emotional condition. You may attempt to use rage to wipe out these feelings. You may try to control the people around you to prove your power when deep down you feel powerless. You may want to hide under the covers or throw a tantrum.
When your gut trembles and aches with fear, when your upper arms seem to vibrate on their own, when the back of your throat aches, when what you see begins to have an unreal quality you are experiencing raw vulnerability that is a prelude to a binge/purge episode.Family Visits and the Holiday Season
People with eating disorders or in early or mid recovery from eating disorders call for help more often during the holidays than any other time.
Family: stimulates feeling bereft or anxious
If you are separated from family for any reason you can feel bereft. At the same time, if you are going to be with family, you can be flooded with anxiety.
More Articles...
- New Year's Resolutions: Good or Triggering?
- Slip over the Holidays
- Days After Christmas -Part II Christmas alone
- Days after Christmas - Part I - Traditional
- Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
- Holiday Travel: Your Recovery Kit
- Surviving the Holidays
- A Win Win Holiday Coping Strategy Using an Empty Bowl
- Thanksgiving Day: A Recovery Tool
- Family Thanksgiving Dinner: Two Vital Coping Strategies
