More support is required at this time of year for those suffering eating disorders, a leading expert has warned.
New research conducted by counsellor and author Lynn Crilly found nearly eight out of ten people are worried about the impact the festive season will have on those battling conditions like bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa.
In a poll of 2,000 people 79 percent said they were worried how they, a friend or loved one may cope with the extra challenges Christmas food can bring.
Wellbeing expert, family and children’s counsellor and mental health advocate Lynn, who originally trained in order to support her daughter Samantha deal with an eating disorder, said: “These figures underline what a really difficult time of year this can be for anyone with an eating disorder and for their friends and family too.
“Yes, for some people the word Christmas rightly fills them with joy, but for others it can fill them with dread,” says Lynn.
“The Christmas period can be particularly difficult for those affected by eating disorders. The expectations around socialising and food can contribute to stress, pressure and conflicted thoughts for both the sufferer and their loved ones.
“When my daughter Samantha fell into the clutches of Anorexia and OCD nearly 20 years ago, I used to dread Christmas and all the extra stress and anxiety it used to cause.
“I spent my time trying to navigate the holiday period to make it as easy as possible for Samantha whilst also remembering that she had a twin siter Charlotte who loved that time of year.
“As the years went by the family were more able to talk about how we felt and we accepted that our version of Christmas had changed, which made things much easier.
“But for the person suffering the eating disorder Christmas can be the ultimate nightmare whilst their loved ones find it equally as challenging trying to navigate the ‘joys’ of Christmas.
“It’s vital we do more to talk about this issue, and to be open about the challenges many face.”
In a further bid to help Lynn has shared her nine steps to how you can support someone living with an eating disorder at this time of year.
1. In the lead up to Christmas period, sit down and talk about how social events and family get-togethers can be made easier. I know it is hard but being open and honest with each other will help to create a more relaxed time with less anxiety.
2. Don’t expect too much of the day. You might find it easier to skip the traditional Christmas dinner and instead come up with a different meal which doesn’t involve sitting at a table ladened with food. One year we had a barbeque which we found much less stressful.
3. Focus on activities that do not involve food such as going to the cinemas or historic houses and garden centres. These often have wonderful decorations and displays so you can enjoy the festivities without the focus on food and drink.
4. If you do visit people or have people over, have a drink and snack options instead of a big meal.
5. Accepting that Christmas will be different in the family will take a lot of the pressure off. We all feel the weight of expectation particularly with social media showing picture perfect families, but this is not reality.
6. Remember that it’s okay not to be okay. Sometimes it’s a victory just to make it through, particularly if you are suffering from an illness like an eating disorder.
7. Try and keep to food routines and times as much as possible to alleviate anxiety around food as much as possible.
8. Take time to get out of the house. Going for walks offers a change of environment and fresh air and maybe an ideal time for catch up chats to make sure you are all okay.
9. Be Kind to yourself. I learnt very quickly that perfection does not exist. Do what is right for you and your family and don’t compare yourself to others.
