• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About me
  • Blog posts
  • Work with me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Secondary Navigation Social Media Icons

    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Enviroline Blog

Enviroline Blog

Eco-Friendly Blogger

  • Nature
  • Other categories
    • Mental health
    • ED recovery
    • Guest posts
    • Lifestyle
    • Freebie library
  • Sustainability
    • Plastic Free July
  • Environmental
You are here: Home / Blog posts / ED recovery / Blogmas day 8 | Coping with an eating disorder at Christmas

Blogmas day 8 | Coping with an eating disorder at Christmas

December 15, 2020 Filed Under: ED recovery, Blog posts

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.

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

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

← Previous Post
Blogmas day 7 | Eco-friendly gift guide
Next Post →
Blogmas day 9 | The Christmas tag 2020

About Caroline

Welcome to Enviroline Blog 💗
I blog to raise awareness about the environment and mental health - specifically eating disorder recovery.
I upload every Sunday and some Wednesdays.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Grislean says

    December 15, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    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/

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 16, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Grislean says

        December 17, 2020 at 5:17 pm

        Aww I hope with time, you figure out what’s causing it 💛🙏

        Reply
        • envirolineblog says

          December 18, 2020 at 10:06 am

          Thank you <3

          Reply
  2. Chloe Chats says

    December 15, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    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

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 16, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      Thank you so much x

      Reply
  3. hiddenzzzblog says

    December 16, 2020 at 5:47 am

    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 ♥️

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 16, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      Thank you xx means so much to me <3

      Reply
  4. Shez says

    December 16, 2020 at 11:08 am

    <3

    Reply
  5. Della Driscoll says

    December 16, 2020 at 11:45 am

    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/

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 16, 2020 at 4:40 pm

      Thank you <3 xx

      Reply
  6. amylabonte says

    December 16, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    Love love love this post!!! I am feeling this anxiety this year, and was happy to read this and not feel so alone <3

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 16, 2020 at 4:42 pm

      Thank you xx

      Reply
  7. mindbeautysimplicity says

    December 16, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    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

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 16, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      Thank you! <3 x

      Reply
  8. Laura Pettenuzzo says

    December 17, 2020 at 5:59 am

    Thank you for your vulnerability with this post. Your honesty will be a lifeline to people with all kinds of mental health challenges <3

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 17, 2020 at 10:09 am

      Thank you so much <3

      Reply
  9. Chloë says

    December 19, 2020 at 12:41 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 19, 2020 at 10:04 pm

      Thank you <3 xx

      Reply
  10. tianiangelahibbert says

    December 20, 2020 at 3:24 am

    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 🥰

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 20, 2020 at 10:47 am

      Thank you <3 She has helped me so much 🙂 x

      Reply
  11. sunkissedlexblog says

    December 20, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 20, 2020 at 5:56 pm

      Thank you for reading and commenting xx

      Reply
  12. Amethyst says

    December 22, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    Thank for sharing this information.

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      December 25, 2020 at 9:59 pm

      No problem, thank you for reading x

      Reply
  13. Riverlark says

    January 2, 2021 at 2:13 am

    I hope you get better! Have a lovely new year

    Reply
    • envirolineblog says

      January 3, 2021 at 7:52 pm

      Thank you <3

      Reply
      • Riverlark says

        January 3, 2021 at 7:56 pm

        ❤️

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Follow Me

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome To My Blog <3

Hello!

Welcome to Enviroline Blog. I’m Caroline and I am currently in my second year at Bournemouth University studying Environmental Science.

On my blog, I share tips & tricks on how to be more sustainable in your everyday life.

A few facts about me:

  1. I have two cats
  2. I love musicals
  3. I’m a vegetarian
  4. My favourite colour is pink

 

Find out more here.

Ethical Influencers” style=

Meet My Advertisers

Recent Posts

  • My 2022 round-up
  • January wildlife to spot in the UK
  • UK seasonal fruit and vegetables in winter
  • Slug and Lettuce Bournemouth review

Subscribe to get sent my latest posts + monthly freebies!

This Month’s Freebie!

Follow Me On Instagram

…

Copyright © 2023 enviroline blog

Isla Theme by Code + Coconut