dreading christmas day

[piglet11]

hi

i am dreading chrisrtas day. my eating disorder could make things worse, my family have no idea that i have an eating disorder i can bring myself to tell them, have you any tips on how to survive christmas day thanks

[rainey999]

Tell your family, they will support you xxxx they will help you to get the help that you need

[Eatingdisordersdevon]

Christmas can be a really stressful time for someone suffering with an eating disorder, so many events can be centred around food and drink it can seem never ending, so I really do empathise with you.

There is a really good leaflet on the SWEDA website 'coping with Christmas'. Go to the site map and then look under 'leaflets'. I agree with 'rainey999' that the first step is to tell someone, share it and take some of the pressure of yourself. It may be a step in receiving some help.

Let us know how you get on.

[crazycrossstitcher]

I too would say - tell your family - although I know how hard this first step can be - from experience it can also be the first step towards recovery. I find by trying to make sure I am quite busy over this time - helping prepare things - organising a walk perhaps - a family game - just taking the emphasis off food a bit.

Remember - God will be at the family table with you - talk to him about your feelings - ask him to help you find the words - and the right time - to talk to your family.

[angelicdevil]

I too am dreading Christmas Day. The whole family are going for a three course Indian meal and I know exactly how it will go if I do go. They wil stare at me through the whole thing and watch me like a hawk or every mouthful They all know about my eating disorder as I've been to IP twice and they all know. The blame everything on it and don't understand. Their solution is "just eat it and shut up". It's not that easy, I wish it was. I would love to know how to get through it because right now I'm planning on just not going and spending all Christmas alone. I'll check that leaflet out though, thanks for the tip. xxx

[Meryan]

Definetly talk to them. They love and they are going to support you. Tell them your fears so maybe you could have a different meal.

I am thinking about eating just a few of the meal, otherwise I know Im going straight away to the loo.

Its very difficult I know, just try to be honest.

Take care xx

[piglet11]

i find it hard enough talking to my counsellor about my eating disorder, how i am supposed to tell my family i don't want to ruin their christmas

[Eatingdisordersdevon]

Eating Disorders thrive on secrecy, deceit and shame. I invite you to give yourself a

Christmas present of sharing your Eating Disorder with someone......it may just be the first. small step to getting some help. 'Not wanting to ruin their Christmas' or deciding not to go home for Christmas is a classic situation, and so the Eating Disorder wins and continues. Maybe confide in one member of your family so that they can support you and you don't feel so alone?. Find that little part of you that desperately wants to change, hold on to it and tell someone.....the Eating Disorder won't want you to as it loves secrecy so you will have to be really strong .........y can do it!!!!!

Worth mentioning again the leaflets on the SWEDA web site

[MissLJ]

You can still have a good Christmas with an eating disorder, it just might take some planning.

You should definitely talk to your family, just knowing that you can talk to them if you become anxious or are struggling will make it easier for you. They can also be strong for you.

If you use meal plans, perhaps try one for Christmas. That way you still have that slight control you may need to get through the holiday. You will also have the reassurance that you are still within your usual routine, and have the time to prepare for potential different food types.

Why not read the blogs on the Anorexia Bulimia Care site, To Be Honest

tobehonest.org.uk