The holiday season is fast approaching, with November marking the beginning of Thanksgiving preparations. Family and friends come together to enjoy a nice meal and discuss what they’re thankful for. However, conversations about diets and body image can arise, which can be difficult for those who are in eating disorder recovery.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate a holiday with family and enjoy a meal that requires extensive planning and cooking. While Thanksgiving can be an exciting time to reunite with long-distance family members, some conversation topics can be triggering, especially for those who are in eating disorder recovery.

Although family members feel they’re coming from a place of love and concern or simply making off-hand comments with no bad intentions, their words can be unhelpful, possibly even triggering. While joining in on the festivities is important, taking care of yourself is also essential.

With Thanksgiving a few weeks away, here are some tips to help navigate the holiday while staying recovery-focused. 

Steer the Conversation Away From Diet Culture 

If a family member is talking about topics that touch on diet culture or body image, politely stop them from making comments by telling them you feel uncomfortable and suggesting a different topic to discuss. By being honest with your loved ones, they can help you feel secure and safe during the holiday season.

Talk to Your Loved Ones Before the Meal

It is essential to talk to the holiday host before the big day so that they can understand your concerns and how comfortable you’re feeling and establish any necessary boundaries for yourself. Also, if you or someone you know attending the Thanksgiving dinner has any dietary restrictions, inform them in advance so you feel comfortable with what everyone is eating! That way, the pressure is reduced, and unnecessary comments can be avoided around the dinner table.

Give Yourself Time to Take a Break

While Thanksgiving can be a joyous time for family and friends to come together for an evening, there are moments when things may become overwhelming, and you need a moment to catch your breath. While in recovery, taking care of yourself is the top priority, so feel free to excuse yourself from the room politely. Take five minutes for yourself to regroup before rejoining the festivities.