The holiday season, often filled with festive gatherings, meals, and traditions, can bring both joy and stress. For individuals dealing with eating disorders, however, this time of year can intensify feelings of anxiety and distress.
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder often create challenges around food and body image, making the holidays a particularly difficult time. Licensed professional counselor Alexandra Cromer, who works with Thriveworks, notes that food during the holidays is supposed to be a source of joy, but for some, it can bring overwhelming pressure.
“Food is supposed to be fun, and if it’s not fun for you, that’s also okay,” Cromer says. “There’s a lot of pressure, especially with the messaging around ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year.’ If you’re struggling, that’s okay too.”
For those with eating disorders, the holiday season can feel like a battlefield, especially during shared meals. Cromer explains that holiday meals are often very focused, and the pressure to conform to family expectations can be overwhelming.
“That we celebrate the holidays is that we get together and share a meal,” Cromer says. “That meal is very focused. We all sit at one table, so there can be a lot of pressure to demonstrate an eating pattern or an attitude that aligns with the families, or one that’s not your own.”
Family members and friends play a crucial role in helping create a supportive environment for those struggling with eating disorders. Cromer advises that instead of commenting on someone’s weight or appearance, it’s better to ask about their life outside of food.
“There’s so much more to relationships than a physical surface-level conversation,” she says. “So be intentional.”
Everyone’s journey with food and body image is unique, Cromer says, so it’s important to be mindful of the challenges others may be facing.
“We don’t know what other people are going through,” she says. “Commenting on what people are eating or how much or how little they are eating isn’t helpful. What someone puts in their body and the foods they eat is not your business. It’s theirs and their choice of how they want to eat and what they want to eat.”
For those navigating the holidays with an eating disorder, experts suggest seeking professional guidance.
“If you have a dietitian or someone you seek for safe nutritional counseling or advice, it would be a great idea to consult them,” she says.
Cromer tells me everyone’s journey with food and body image is different.
“It’s okay to eat safe food, or to say, ‘I’m going to challenge myself to fill my plate instead of having a restrictive mindset,’” she says.
The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection for everyone, but it’s important to approach it with awareness and compassion for those who may be struggling with eating disorders. With the right support and strategies in place, individuals can navigate this challenging season with greater ease and less stress.