With Easter right around the corner, it is vital to recognize and validate those who struggle with an eating disorder. There are various ways in which family and friends can support their loved ones struggling with an eating disorder during the holiday weekend.
By: Regina Colie
Imagine yourself as a little kid again, eagerly awaiting to participate in an Easter egg hunt. The adults took the time to place all of the eggs in different hiding spots and made colorful baskets for the children to use to collect their eggs. It is a day full of Easter bunnies, candies, and chocolate.
However, Easter is difficult for individuals who are either in the depths of an eating disorder or are in the recovery process. There is unspoken pressure and anxiety for individuals with family members surrounding the kitchen table, with an abundance of food awaiting them. How can one even begin to avoid such settings out of caution for any triggers? Where can one find enjoyment in the holiday? For individuals who are slowly but surely working through recovery, here are some helpful tips and tricks to help make Easter more enjoyable:
Make Time for Self-Care
Self-care is the number one rule for yourself during Easter. Allow yourself the freedom and the time to rejuvenate, relax, and reflect. Although family gatherings and social activities constitute this holiday weekend, don’t push yourself if you aren’t feeling up to participating. Listen to your internal cues and give yourself a break when needed. The recovery process isn’t always easy. It is a long journey, filled with many ups and downs, so take those quiet moments for yourself.
Be Prepared
It is always good to know what you’re walking into before an important event. As such, ask what the plans are for the Easter weekend ahead of time. If holiday events are happening at your house, sit down with your parents and talk about your expectations and theirs. See what the menu plan is, ask who is being invited, and when and where events will be happening. Set clear boundaries for yourself so that your loved ones know how to help you. If it is at someone else’s house, see if you can sit down and discuss with them your recovery process. You learn ahead of time, understand what to expect, and make yourself available when you feel comfortable enough.
Be Kind To Yourself
Do not beat yourself up if you do not get involved in specific activities or chose not to engage in conversations with certain family members. You are not alone in your recovery process, and there will be support every step of the way. Shower yourself with self-love and compassion for how far you have come, and give yourself a break if you make a mistake. Easter, among all of the holidays, can be difficult for those in eating disorder recovery because they are susceptible to potential triggers. However, having a good support system built from supportive family and friends is essential to helping one heal throughout their recovery.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues. In addition to our full-time Day Treatment Program and Weeknight Intensive Outpatient Program, we offer nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support, and various other groups and resources to assist those seeking help for food concerns.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).
Regina Colie (she/her/hers) is a graduate student getting her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The School of Health Sciences of Touro College. She is looking to become a mental health counselor, specializing in eating disorders and postpartum depression. She is a firm believer in mental health advocacy, and giving women the opportunity to speak their truth.
References
Gender Dysphoria and Eating Disorders | Duke Center for Eating Disorders. (n.d.). DukeHealth. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://eatingdisorders.dukehealth.org/education/resources/gender-dysphoria-and-eating-disorders
Eating Disorders in Transgender People. (2021, October 12). Verywell Mind. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/eating-disorders-in-transgender-people-4582520
Gender dysphoria – Symptoms and causes. (2019, December 6). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gender-dysphoria/symptoms-causes/syc-20475255
