As someone with an eating disorder history, the holidays, which should be joyful and exciting, can be awkward—and even destructive—as the same problems present themselves year after year: We’re expected to spend time with family members who can be jarring. We’re faced not only with an abundance of food, but also open judgments about how much (or how little) we eat. Our bodies are considered small-talk conversation starters, like the size of our waists are as banal as the fluctuating weather.
And while we can hold out hope that our loved ones take the time tolearn about our experiences and toadjust their behavior accordingly, sometimes we need to choose to take care of ourselves instead.
So here are five questions to ask yourself to prepare for your next holiday get-together:
1. Do I need to attend this event?
2. Which boundaries can I set ahead of time?
3. How can I self-regulate?
4. Who can be my support system?
5. How can I reset and recharge afterward?
To read more of Melissa A. Fabello, PhD's article, please click here.
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