Eating Disorders Support Group

Eating disorders are marked by an obsessive need to control the intake and/or purging of food. This community is dedicated to those struggling on the road to recovery. Join to discuss your experience with others and find support. Get advice, ask questions, and meet others who are going through similar struggles.

3,896 Members
20,112 Posts
0 Online
Mental Health
/ Eating Disorders Support Group

Holiday troubles

LetsBeFree4
LetsBeFree4

I've been writing about this in my journal but I guess I'll post it here. Holidays are super hard for me. With Christmas coming up all I can think about is how I'm going to make it through without eating a lot without making it obvious. My little sisters watch my every move and they too have their own body image issues. I try to be the best role model for them as I can it's just hard because I feel like a hypocrit all the time. I just really don't like eating around people. I'll find any excuse to sneak away and use behaviors. And it sounds bad, but because I've become so good at it (which sounds horrible) over the years, I can get back quickly to not make anything seem suspicious. I don't know what to do.

blueraincoat123
blueraincoat123
I feel you! I am nervous about being scrutinized. I'm going to my girlfriend's family, meeting them all for the first time! Theywill likely be paying attention, even if they don't know I have it. Stay strong, come back here when needed. I know I will.
sunflower9
sunflower9
Holidays are definitely a tough time. Especially with family and food and everything! I can definitely relate. Christmas is about a full week away and we're thinking about way to sneak food. It sounds crazy but you're not alone. And although you may think you're a pro at sneaking behaviors (we all do), it comes out eventually. It's also important to remember that role models have flaws. Definitely write back if you need!
LP0126
LP0126
I'm struggling too! Actually terrified, it frustrates me that when I'm w family ALL I can do is obsess over what food they're bringing, how it is being cooked, what they're going to see me eat, how will I eat the right things etc. I wish such a wonderful holidays wasn't overshadowed by these compulsions. Hope it helps knowing we're all struggling this week but we will get through it, tho maybe not perfectly :)
sonnycamehome
sonnycamehome
The holidays are definitely a difficult time...I won't be seeing my family until after Christmas, but I know there will be lots of food and it will be hard to allow myself to enjoy that time with them and not be obsessed with weight and ED issues. I'm trying to give myself permission to be more relaxed with my eating since it's a special occasion, but somehow I feel like I just don't deserve it. I just feel a lot of pressure.
LetsBeFree4
LetsBeFree4
Thank you all so much! Your support means the world.

Blueraincoat - I wish you the best meeting your gfs family!

Sunflower - if I wasn't such a protectionist and super OCD, of be okay. But I've always been the "star child/grandchild" and so I put SO much extra pressure on myself. I know role models make mistakes t just hard. My sisters don't have that many positive influence in their lives. I wish I was better at hiding things but like you said, we all think we are but we're probably not.

LP - I hope I can begin to enjoy this week and the holidays. Just so much anxiety leading up. All I can think about is the food :(

Sonny - I'm going to try and relax a bit more. Not sure how it'll go.

Was just at a friend/mentors house and going back after work to watch a show. She mentioned they're having spaghetti for dinner. Huge fear food. I kind of dodged the question which I'm sure she's picking up more on now since she knows about ED and we were just talking about different support group options etc. I will still be going and I want to challenge myself, but I'm sure it's going to be white pasta. Which sounds crazy...but that makes it even harder for me to be okay with. Sigh.