Christmas time is SOOO hard!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-08-2006
Christmas time is SOOO hard!!!
7
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 8:30pm
I don't know about anyone else, but I find this time of year is soooo hard to handle when you have an ED. Everyone is bringing you food...and there are so many damned getogethers and dinners, and brunches, etc...I find myself binging and purging twice as often as I normally do. I just feel even more out of control than I normally do. It just adds so much stress to the holidays that I could do without. This year is my daughter's first Christmas and I have family coming from away that I haven't seen in ages and I should be excited...but I'm so stressed out about all the food that is being brought into my house and all the meals that I'm expected to attend. I feel like I'm heading into battle or something. Does anyone have any tips for getting through the holdays?
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-05-2006
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 8:55pm
No joke on how hard this time of year can be! Oh my God it's like a war zone in your head. A few things to consider:
These get-togethers are about friends, family and tradition , NOT food.
Are you choosing food over a relationship with a person? Obsessing over the buffet, binging or purging rather than playing with a niece or talking to a grandparent etc.
Think about the lifetime memories you might miss making because you were in the bathroom or planning how to eat more without anyone thinking you're acting strangely.
Is there anyone at these events who knows about your ED? If so, tell them you need them to have your back! It's okay to ask for help! I actually ask those few people who know about my struggle and recovery to "police" me a little bit because it is SO HARD in those situations to keep your head on straight. I'll even ask my bf if I am eating a normal amount or if it's weird if I have a slice of cake etc.
Take your time and relax. Take a walk, remember you are in control. All this food will always be available to you. You can have a piece of pie tomorrow if you're stuffed.
Sleep, meditate, take a walk, read a book, take pictures of family and frinds, play a game.
Pick some one who has "normal, healthy" eating habits and mirror them. If they ARE overeating, which everyone tends to do this time of year, take that walk!
There are tons of ways to get through it, but it's NOT easy. You just have to tell yourself how good you'll feel if you have a nice, happy healthy meal with your family and go to sleep, awaking the next day free of the mental anguish that comes with binging, purging or restricting.
Avatar for schitz
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2004
Wed, 12-13-2006 - 3:06am

I'm sure many of us here share your sentiment.


Tips, tips, tips...hmmm...eat with people what would be considered a "normal" amount of food, for 2 reasons. One, they won't bug you about not eating, and two, eating "normally" will help prevent binges brought on by restriction. If they are brought on by emotion, that's a different story. Then you have to face those issues instead of stuffing them down with food. If that's the case then maybe you need to post those emotional triggers here and/or talk to someone IRL. Make a deal with yourself that you will do nothing until you hear from us and maybe that will be enough time for the urge to pass.


I hope that helps. If you think it's a load of bologne tell me.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-08-2006
Thu, 12-14-2006 - 8:30pm
Thanks...
I'm the type that thinks...well, I'm going to have to purge anyway, so I might as well keep eating. Your idea to eat around people is a good one, I think. I don't tend to binge in front of people (I plan those for when I'm going to be alone). Maybe if I just try to spend as much time around others as possible, that'll work. When I binge, I don't know why I'm doing it...it's just a compulsion. I don't think that I do it for any emotional reason...but who knows? I appreciate your tips. Thanks.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-08-2006
Thu, 12-14-2006 - 8:39pm
Thanks so much for the advice. I hate the fact that I spend so much of the holiday stressed about about how much I'm eating and the fact that I'm in the bathroom throwing up because I feel guilty for overeating (even if I don't overdo it I feel guilty and purge). I stress out about getting caught throwing up. The dinner table might as well be a mine field. Last Christmas I was pregnant and could get away with eating too much without looking like a freak. I guess I'll have to talk to my fiancee and get him to keep eyes on me. I feel so stupid for having to do this...I'm a 27 year-old woman, a mother...and I need to be told to eat sensibly.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-05-2006
Thu, 12-14-2006 - 9:05pm
Hey, no worries! I'm 29 and I have zero shame getting help from my bf or best buddy or family. That's why they are there! We are lucky enough to have these people in our lives, they love us, and want to help. I know, it seems like a silly thing sometimes, but it's not! We have a serious obstacle to overcome. It's a real deal disorder; do NOT be ashamed. You do NOT have to be perfect. We are human. Part of what being human is is being imperfect. Mistakes are how we learn and no one expects ANYONE to not slip up or have skeletons in their closets. So good luck, be strong and take care of yourself! Deep breaths, count to ten, you'll be golden!
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Registered: 09-06-2005
Sat, 12-16-2006 - 10:42am

I am familiar with

 

 

~Diana~

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2006
Sun, 12-17-2006 - 12:20pm

I found this article I hope you find helpful. For me holidays in general cause me a little aniexty. I

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