Suffolk charity helping people with eating disorders encourages empathy this Christmas
The Office for National Statistics estimates there are 1.25 million people with eating disorders in the UK
A Suffolk charity that helps people with eating disorders is encouraging families to avoid commenting on what people eat or any diet talk this festive season - warning it can have negative impacts on others
The Office for National Statistics estimates there are 1.25 million people with eating disorders in the UK, which is an increase compared to previous years.
Emily Meade is the eating recovery manager for Suffolk Mind and an integrative counsellor.
We asked her for advice for people who may be struggling during the holidays.
She suggests having a "toolbox" of techniques which they can use to help reduce stress:
- Going for a walk: "A change of environment can really help to change your thinking. You're getting an open space, a connection with nature and fresh air. This can help with reducing those feelings or the intensity of the social situations in the family and the huge amounts of food that normally come with Christmas."
- Preparation: "We would always suggest planning some downtime. You may plan to get some time in the day where you go off and watch a programme just to get some space away from the family and the friends and the intensity of the food."
- Be aware of change: "There's always the possibility of change, so really thinking about that and thinking actually if something changed today that may increase my stress in a situation what can I do? Is there a person who understands what I'm going through that I could speak to or touch base within those moments?"
- Coping Strategies: "What works for you? Rubbing a blanket, stress balls, fidget spinners, or even having an inspirational quote as your screen saver. One of our favourites is "this too shall pass."
- Breathing techniques: "Breathing is the first point to bring you back into the moment because otherwise you'll be lost in thought, which therefore will make unbearable feelings."
Emily also understands that some people may not have told anyone they're struggling with an eating disorder and if they're not ready to share that information, then they don't have to: "You don't have to disclose your struggling with eating to say 'actually, on Christmas Day, I'm going to take a few hours out just to look after myself'.
"That doesn't mean that you're struggling anyway - that's just saying I'm just looking after myself and that's a really good thing to do for anyone."
"Don't make food the focus"
As Christmas is often centred around food we asked Emily what advice she had to ensure that it's not the main point of focus.
She suggested focusing on parts of Christmas that you enjoy: "That may be giving cards, going to Carol concerts and the walks that sometimes people do on Christmas Day...
"Maybe a board game would be good - then you're still in the room with people, but you're focusing on something different.
"It's really helpful for people to have topics that they can speak about that aren't necessarily around food. So about studying, the new year or maybe about a new hobby they've got or something they've enjoyed like singing or dancing, something that isn't dedicated around food...
"Just having those distraction tools, I think it's really good at dinner time."
However, she did also say that for those with eating disorders it might be helpful for them to know what food to expect so they don't feel overwhelmed when sat in front of it.
Advice for families
Emily also told us how friends and family can help during the holidays: "Let them know that you're there to listen.
"However, try not to make judgements of their actions... It's really unhelpful if we make comments on their food or their food intake or their behaviours around food...
"Offer compliments about their kind ways or their funny sense of humour. Steer clear of comments about what or how much they eat and the way they look or their body."
Where to find help
Beat's contact page - Call them on 0808 802 0677
Email support for England: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Email support for Scotland: Scotlandhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Email support for Wales: Waleshelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Email support for Northern Ireland: NIhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
In an emergency always call 999.