Just as a Thanksgiving table may be overflowing with a hodgepodge of dishes, the holidays are a mixed bag when it comes to our feelings. For many, the upcoming holiday season means a whiplash of high emotions, difficult situations, and new environments. Some parts of this season might bring so much joy and love, while others are shrouded with grief and heaviness. And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s all of those things at once. This is especially true for those navigating a difficult relationship with food.
The mention of food and eating in the presence of family and friends—whether close or distant —can stir up distressing emotions. The reality is that 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. These people range from as young as five years old to the elderly—they do not discriminate.
So while the perceived, expected, and encouraged joy of the holidays leaves little room for our hardships, we need you to know that there can and should be space for all of it. Although we sometimes wish they would, our mental health challenges don’t necessarily take a day off just because the calendar or society suggests it.
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating and are feeling concerned about the upcoming holidays, we need you to know a few things:
- You’re not crazy or weird. Eating disorders are common and are often a person’s means of coping with trauma, pain, and discomfort.
- For some, food can feel like the enemy. For others, it can offer comfort or soothing. Either way, do your best to be neutral about it. Your body requires and deserves nutrients.
- No one needs to comment on your eating habits or your body. Boundaries are tough to verbalize and uphold (we GET that), and yet, you can give yourself the permission to prioritize your autonomy and well-being.
- It is a meal, a day, and a season. Our brains can work to convince us that what’s before us is less of a hill and more of a mountain. It does not have to consume us beyond what it actually is. Don’t get ahead of yourself and tap into coping techniques when/if you do.
At the heart of this, there is compassion. Compassion for your pain, fear, and struggles. In one hand, we hold acceptance and space for all of it—for all of you. In the other hand, we hold hope for healing, knowing that the journey will be difficult but not impossible. You are capable of many things—including navigating the holidays while simultaneously navigating a mental health challenge. You might be struggling in this season. You might be working toward healing in this season. You might be in recovery while in this season. Wherever you find yourself, know that you are capable and you are so much more than this moment.
Our Mental Health Toolkit is a free resource packed with therapist-guided practices, self-reflection worksheets, affirmations, and more.
Some that come to mind include…
6-Minute Meditation
Daily Self-Love Worksheet
One Day At A Time Affirmation
We’d also encourage you to use TWLOHA’s FIND HELP Tool to locate professional help and to read more stories like this one here. If you reside outside of the US, please browse our growing International Resources database. You can also text TWLOHA to 741741 to be connected for free, 24/7 to a trained Crisis Text Line counselor. If it’s encouragement or a listening ear that you need, email our team at [email protected].