Christmas can be a particularly stressful time for people with an eating disorder—with the season’s emphasis on family get-togethers and food. Often the Christmas period is one time of year when many close and distant relatives meet up to enjoy time together. For the sufferer, this may mean the excitement becomes tinged with fear about being expected to eat meals with relatives who don’t know about their struggles with food, eating and body-image issues. The distress and anxiety provoked by this can cause tears, panic attacks, angry outbursts or total avoidance, which can lead to arguments and an atmosphere of tension. There may also be fears about being pressured to eat and participate in conversations about food and eating.
Open Mental Health partner SWEDA understand and know too well the struggles people are experiencing during this period and beyond and have a free helpline open for anyone who wishes to contact them, please see below for further details and how you can access help.
SWEDA’s eating disorders helpline is run by trained counsellors who can talk to you about any problems you are having and signpost you to further support. Their lines are open 8pm – 11pm every Tuesday and 11am – 2pm every Sunday, even over the Christmas period.
Call 0300 330 5464