The period from Halloween through the New Year is particularly difficult for those suffering with eating disorders, or in recovery, because most of the festivities of the holiday season emphasize the consumption of food.  In addition to the stress of dealing with a constant barrage of food-oriented conversation and social events, the eating disordered must deal with exposure to the spate of advertisements for weight-control solutions that surface at this time of year.  The emotional stress and anxiety experienced by individuals dealing with anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating disorder is further exacerbated by complex nature of their relationships with family members and others at gatherings such as holiday meals.

When it comes to the family gathering for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, there is often a general tension regarding the eating disordered individual’s participation.  Many anorexics or bulimics cannot help but feel the oppressive scrutiny of their every action.  They sense that others are keeping a secret ledger and calculating the caloric value of every bite they consume.  However, the family meal does not have to be fraught with such anxiety if the eating disordered individual prepares emotionally in advance.  A good eating disorder treatment program will provide an individual with the necessary psychological tools to reduce the negative feelings and reduce the anxieties that can arise in the midst of a large meal with family members.

Keep in mind that the emotional triggers that afflict the eating disordered exist well beyond the dinner table.  Given the frequently excessive nature of the holiday table, there is almost always postprandial discussion involving statements such as “I shouldn’t have eaten so much,” and “I have got to hit the gym first thing tomorrow.”  These sorts of remarks in combination with the media’s typical focus on “diet advice” can really test the emotional wherewithal of even individuals with presumably healthy eating habits.  For the eating disordered, the increased exposure to food-centric situations and information can influence bad food management strategies such as binging and purging or other dangerous behavior.

The best way to approach the holiday season for the eating disordered individual is with awareness that she or he is bound to be in situations or at gatherings where food is central.  Discussing one’s fears and anxieties with a mental health professional and developing a plan on how to positively cope with the stress associated with these situations is a good first step to getting through the holidays.  A good therapist understands this is a tough time of year and will address the food concerns and underlying psychological issues of the eating disordered individual.  Just like the holiday meal, emotional well-being requires a lot of care and planning.