Blogmas day 8 is a more serious post but something that I really want to talk about because I could never really find anything on it. In the past couple of years, people are talking about mental health and eating disorders a lot more and finally, there is awareness surrounding the topic. But I do remember searching the internet in 2017 and not being able to find anything. There’s a specific reason why I’m uploading this post today.
Let me tell you a story…
Friday 15th December 2017 is in the top 3 worst days of my life. This isn’t a sob story, I don’t want anyone feeling sorry for me, I just want to explain how I was feeling that day.
The story really begins on Thursday 14th December 2017 when I had a bad appointment at the eating disorder clinic. I think it was my last appointment before Christmas and I never really talked much in those meetings but I was absolutely terrified of how I was going to cope with Christmas since this was the first year that my family knew of my eating disorder and that I was struggling.
I felt so alone and I wasn’t coping at school, on the Thursday, I just could not concentrate whatsoever. I remember sitting at the back of my tutor’s class and trying to get on with some work but I couldn’t stop worrying.
The day after, I was much the same, I don’t really know why I went to school that day – probably because I wanted to pretend everything was fine to my parents. But, I was completely miserable and I just remember feeling SO alone and really shut out.
There were so many uncertanties going around in my head.
Would they watch me eat? If I eat something yummy at Christmas, do I really have an eating disorder? What if someone comments on how I look? What if I get chocolate for Christmas, am I meant to act happy?
I searched the internet for questions like this and I couldn’t find anything, so here is my guide for coping with an eating disorder at Christmas.
*I’m not an expert or a professional, this is just things that have helped me during my experience*
Stick to a routine
I think that this is really important because, at Christmas, people’s timetables tend to go out the window. It’s like we’re on a different body clock or something. But having a routine and planning out what you’re going to do each day is something that keeps me grounded.
Have a list of distractions
I found that often before/after meals were specific times when I would need to be keeping busy. This can literally be anything but if you already have a list of distractions, then you can just pick one and get on with it without really thinking. Some ideas are colouring, watching a feel-good tv show/movie, journalling, painting etc.
It might be good to plan some downtime for yourself as Christmas tends to get quite hectic!
Related post: 100 distractions
Meal plan
This one is obviously going to be a bit harder but in hindsight, I really wish that I had taken the time to plan out what to eat, specifically snacks. If you plan it out, then you can mentally prepare yourself for the meal and you’ll know which days might be harder than others etc. If you don’t want to do this alone, maybe ask someone who you find easy to talk to and who is supportive about this.
I’ve created a template that has space for all three meals + snacks! Subscribe to receive it <3
Come up with a secret signal
My mum and I actually did this, I would send her a specific emoji if I was feeling anxious or that I couldn’t cope any longer and she would help me get out of the situation. Even if you don’t end up using it, it’s a really good thing to have in place.
Related post: How to stay calm this Christmas by The Good Thing Is Though
Focus on what you enjoy at Christmas
It may seem like it now when all your thoughts are consumed with food but it doesn’t need to be the focus of the festive period. Try to focus on what you like doing such as, decorating the house, making decorations, festive films, music etc.
Be kind to yourself
This is the most important. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, you are allowed to make mistakes and you deserve to have a good Christmas <3
Read part 2: Supporting someone with an eating disorder at Christmas
Best wishes, Cx
I’m so sorry you had to go thru that, but I love how you can speak about it openly now. That’s really amazing! 💕💕I have IBS and have recently developed a fear of food. Sometimes I am scared to eat out of fear that I will get extreme stomach cramps due to certain ingredients. IBS is different for everyone so I don’t know 100% what foods to avoid. It’s a trial and error. For me, stress triggers worse symptoms so distracting me will maybe help me have some control over my symptoms. Thank you for the helpful tips!
Grislean | https://gemlesschosen.com/
That’s ok x I have some kind of stomach problem as a long-term effect from this and I honestly don’t really know which foods cause it either. It’s hard but thank you for reading and commenting x
Aww I hope with time, you figure out what’s causing it 💛🙏
Thank you <3
It’s great to see how open people are with their mental health now. It’s definitely something that you shouldn’t be ashamed of but something that you should be proud of that you got through it as best as you could. These are great coping tips and I’m sure it’ll be helpful to so many people. Hope you have a lovely Christmas x
Thank you so much x
I’m glad I came across this post. I’m proud of you for being able to speak up about your mental health, many people are hesitant to speak of it. It’s great to see how you’re trying to help others cope with their eating disorders.
Have a lovely day ♥️
Thank you xx means so much to me <3
<3
I’m so sorry you’ve gone through that but you’re so incredibly strong and I know this post will help lots of people!
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
Thank you <3 xx
Love love love this post!!! I am feeling this anxiety this year, and was happy to read this and not feel so alone <3
Thank you xx
I’m sorry you went through this but I’m also proud of you for sharing your story to help others. You mentioned some really great points. I think this post will help a lot of people. 🙂
Brittany | http://www.mindbeautysimplicity.wordpress.com
Thank you! <3 x
Thank you for your vulnerability with this post. Your honesty will be a lifeline to people with all kinds of mental health challenges <3
Thank you so much <3
This was a really interesting post to read, even as someone who doesn’t suffer from an eating disorder herself. I’m really happy you found the strength to write this post and share these tips. I’m really certain they will help many others!
Thank you <3 xx
It’s amazing you are able to share your story. I really think that it can be useful for so many people. I love the idea of an emoji signal. Your mom sounds like an awesome support system 🥰
Thank you <3 She has helped me so much 🙂 x
This is amazing that you are sharing your journey. It must be so hard but it will help so many people. Thank you bor having the courage to do it!
Thank you for reading and commenting xx
Thank for sharing this information.
No problem, thank you for reading x
I hope you get better! Have a lovely new year
Thank you <3
❤️