Giving thanks. Tis the season to be jolly. Joy to the world. With the holiday season at its’ brink, there are messages of cheer and togetherness at every corner’s turn. Images of families at the dinner table, gift giving emails and sales galore, as well as recipes of decadent desserts are inescapable. For many people, holidays are a time to spend with loved ones and to take inventory of the blessings in their lives. However, for those suffering from depression and eating disorders, the holiday season can be wrought with pressure to “act” happy, eat “normally,” and oblige to the expectations of others. What can be done to ease this discomfort?
For those suffering from depression or an eating disorder, it may be an imperative time to reach out for the counsel of your treatment team as well as your supportive family and friends. It is at the core of therapeutic principles that there is a catharsis which comes from talking about our thoughts, emotions, fears, and concerns with others. This is all the more true for people under duress during the holiday season. Openly discussing with your treatment team, as well as support members, any impending concerns can help allow for extra encouragement during a difficult time. Reflecting on the underlying issues involved with any resistance or discomfort in holiday gatherings may be important for greater insight and understanding into one’s illness. Setting boundaries in regards to which holiday functions are going to be helpful to attend, and which may be triggering to recovery is also a crucial consideration, as there may be certain events which are unhelpful for the individual. Allowing for time for self-care (such as journaling, meditating, and listening to music), and a “time-out” from excessive holiday get-togethers can refocus the individual from getting off track in their recovery. Additionally, this is a time to plan, plan, plan. Whether it be a meal plan prepared with the help of a dietician, or a safety plan including realistic coping skills that are accessible at times of concern, planning can be a key component to surviving the holidays successfully.
For those supporting a loved one going through depression or an eating disorder during the holiday season, there may also be some helpful tools at your disposal. The individual suffering from mental illness may require extra attention or support. It can be invaluable to have the backing of support members willing to lend an ear or a helping hand during a taxing time for them. This may entail discussions with an eating disordered family member regarding food that is planned to be served ahead of time, or checking in with someone to offer comfort. Non-judgmental support can be the greatest means of encouragement, as the sufferer may appreciate validating their worries or insecurities regarding their illness. Additionally, as trust and honesty are the foundations of healthy relationships, allowing yourself to express your concerns openly and gently with the individual can help in reminding them to recall their treatment goals. It may also be of significance to direct a family member to their professional treatment team if they appear to be struggling excessively. Knowing when it is important to step back and get professional care is crucial to lasting recovery.
With appropriate planning and support, happy holidays are within reach for all. Good luck and Merry Everything from Robert Wood Johnson Somerset Eating Disorder Unit!
Written by Carly Proper MS, LAC, NCC
For those suffering from depression or an eating disorder, it may be an imperative time to reach out for the counsel of your treatment team as well as your supportive family and friends. It is at the core of therapeutic principles that there is a catharsis which comes from talking about our thoughts, emotions, fears, and concerns with others. This is all the more true for people under duress during the holiday season. Openly discussing with your treatment team, as well as support members, any impending concerns can help allow for extra encouragement during a difficult time. Reflecting on the underlying issues involved with any resistance or discomfort in holiday gatherings may be important for greater insight and understanding into one’s illness. Setting boundaries in regards to which holiday functions are going to be helpful to attend, and which may be triggering to recovery is also a crucial consideration, as there may be certain events which are unhelpful for the individual. Allowing for time for self-care (such as journaling, meditating, and listening to music), and a “time-out” from excessive holiday get-togethers can refocus the individual from getting off track in their recovery. Additionally, this is a time to plan, plan, plan. Whether it be a meal plan prepared with the help of a dietician, or a safety plan including realistic coping skills that are accessible at times of concern, planning can be a key component to surviving the holidays successfully.
For those supporting a loved one going through depression or an eating disorder during the holiday season, there may also be some helpful tools at your disposal. The individual suffering from mental illness may require extra attention or support. It can be invaluable to have the backing of support members willing to lend an ear or a helping hand during a taxing time for them. This may entail discussions with an eating disordered family member regarding food that is planned to be served ahead of time, or checking in with someone to offer comfort. Non-judgmental support can be the greatest means of encouragement, as the sufferer may appreciate validating their worries or insecurities regarding their illness. Additionally, as trust and honesty are the foundations of healthy relationships, allowing yourself to express your concerns openly and gently with the individual can help in reminding them to recall their treatment goals. It may also be of significance to direct a family member to their professional treatment team if they appear to be struggling excessively. Knowing when it is important to step back and get professional care is crucial to lasting recovery.
With appropriate planning and support, happy holidays are within reach for all. Good luck and Merry Everything from Robert Wood Johnson Somerset Eating Disorder Unit!
Written by Carly Proper MS, LAC, NCC