Navigating the Holidays with Loved Ones Facing Eating Disorders

Understanding the Impact of Eating Disorders During the Holidays

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can be significantly triggered by the holiday emphasis on food and communal eating. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), at least 9% of the global population is affected by eating disorders, with one person dying as a direct result every 52 minutes (ANAD). The holidays can intensify feelings of anxiety, isolation, and pressure for those with eating disorders, making it a critical time for support and understanding from loved ones.

Strategies for Supporting Your Loved One

Maintain Treatment Continuity

• For children or adolescents in treatment, such as those involved in Maudsley/Family Based Treatment, it's crucial to adhere to the established treatment plan throughout the holiday season.

Educate Yourself on Treatment Approaches

• Learning about treatment approaches like the Maudsley/Family Based Treatment can be beneficial, especially for those caring for a child or adolescent with anorexia.

Seek Immediate Care for Acute Risks

• If your loved one is at acute medical or self-harm risk, arrange for intensive medical/psychiatric care without delay.

Professional Help is Key

• Engage with professionals who have expertise in treating eating disorders to provide the best support for your loved one.

Open Communication

• Discuss openly what might be helpful or unhelpful during holiday events. This knowledge allows for a structured and supportive environment that respects the needs of the individual.

Focus on the Celebration, Not the Food

• Emphasize the holiday's purpose and the joy of togetherness, rather than meals. This shift in focus can alleviate pressure on the individual with an eating disorder.

Release Guilt and Responsibility

• Understand that eating disorders are not caused by a single person or relationship. It's important not to feel guilty or responsible for your loved one's condition.

Small Gatherings Can Be More Comfortable

• Opt for smaller, quieter social events, which can be less overwhelming and foster a sense of belonging and safety.

Encourage Additional Support

• Support from extended family, friends, community, and treatment team members can be invaluable. Be open to your loved one seeking extra help during the holidays.

Avoid Unrealistic Expectations

• Release any expectations of performance to prevent triggering the eating disorder. Focus on warmth, love, kindness, and acceptance.

Offer Support, Not Control

• Your role is to provide emotional nourishment and encouragement, not to act as a healthcare provider. Genuine care and empathy are more beneficial than trying to manage the disorder.

Conclusion: Personalizing Support During the Holidays

The suggestions outlined here, drawn from both patient experiences and professional advice, offer a starting point for supporting someone with an eating disorder during the holidays. It's important to tailor these strategies to fit the unique needs of your loved one. Additionally, individuals with eating disorders can also engage in self-care practices to navigate the season. By fostering awareness and understanding, we can offer the most meaningful gifts of compassion and support to those we cherish during the holiday season.