Here you will find discussion and personal stories related to the particular stresses and challenges that come with holidays and special occasions.
Suggestions and recommendations are here for moving through these special days as best you can, depending on your level of recovery.
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- Category: Holidays and Special Occasions
The Mystery I wish you light. And I wish you darkness, too. Why?
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- Category: Holidays and Special Occasions
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- Category: Holidays and Special Occasions
Pre Binge Symptoms
If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia or binge eating disorder the end of a holiday season can leave you in this fragile emotional condition. You may attempt to use rage to wipe out these feelings. You may try to control the people around you to prove your power when deep down you feel powerless. You may want to hide under the covers or throw a tantrum.
When your gut trembles and aches with fear, when your upper arms seem to vibrate on their own, when the back of your throat aches, when what you see begins to have an unreal quality you are experiencing raw vulnerability that is a prelude to a binge/purge episode.- Details
- Category: Holidays and Special Occasions
Family stress during holidays increases when the wish or hope or expectation of a joyous event crashes into the dysfunctional family dynamic that is ever present.
The picture shows the happy dream. Perhaps everyone wants to make it come true. But the emotional and behavioral patterns of this family will emerge. If it's a well adjusted, healthy and loving family, then the event is filled with smiles, laughter, jokes and hugs.
If it's a problematic family then stress hits hard as people behave as they always do. Imagine these utterances:
Why can't you wait for Dad? You always do this.
Your father said he'll come when he's ready. Start without him.
This better be gluten free. You never remember.
Why did you bring the appetizer? You knew I was bringing it.
Don't fight in front of the children.
Stop fighting!
Can we be done with the selfies already?
After last week I'm surprised you came at all.
Let her eat what she wants. It's the dress she's wearing that makes her look chubby.
Keep the wine away from him.
Holiday family stress, is painful, not because people are acting any differently. It's painful because their behavior is the same and more intense. You and maybe more people are disappointed that the supposed celebration doesn't overwhelm the negativity in individuals. If it's a special occasion then certain people who need to be the center of attention have to press harder for that focus. The designated peacekeepers, hoping for respite because it's supposed to be a celebration, are disappointed becaue they have to work harder and to no avail, in trying to smooth over the disruptions. Family stress is not less but more.
People with eating disorders or in early or mid recovery from eating disorders call for help more often during the holidays than any other time.
Family: stimulates feeling bereft or anxious
If you are separated from family for any reason you can feel bereft. At the same time, if you are going to be with family, you can be flooded with anxiety.