Next week is Thanksgiving and the start of (we hope!) several weeks of parties and celebration for the holidays. The season is meant to be a happy and joyous one, but we know that it can be especially stressful if you or someone you love is coping with or recovering from an eating disorder.
Helpful Holiday Hints
I recently received a couple of posts and articles with suggestions for handling the holidays and thought I'd pass them on:
- PsychCentral - Manage Eating Disorders Over the Holidays: Their suggestion for having a "wing man" to help run interference and manage triggers is a really good one. The buddy system can work, so don't be afraid to ask someone else for help or offer to help someone you think will need it.
- Eating Disorders Blogs - Negotiating Holiday Eating: I like how they start off with a reminder that holiday traditions really are about relationships and activities and shouldn't revolve heavily around food. They also echo a suggestion in the previous article for having some sort of a signal or code word to use if the situation becomes too overwhelming or triggering.
- Something Fishy - Your Recovery Toolbox: These suggestions aren't just meant for the holidays but year-round. If you haven't already, take the time NOW to create a coping bank, rally some friends for a support group, and add other tools and motivations to your arsenal. Think like a Boy Scout, and "Be Prepared."
Workshops
And don't forget, there are two workshops coming up as well:
- 11/24/2008: EDIN in Atlanta is holding their workshop on "Navigating Holiday Social Eating"
- 12/5 - 12/6/2008: Former Magnolia Creek residents are invited to attend a "Holiday Survival Workshop for Alumni" (Don't forget to RSVP by November 28!)
