Eating Disorders, Insecurity and Thanksgiving/Christmas.

So I noticed that a lot of people have recently found my blog by Googling things like "insecurity" and information on eating disorders. This blog is particularly popular in America so I can't help but feel that maybe the data suggests many of you have found my blog whilst trying to find a release for the pressure that Thanksgiving puts on people. It's a particularly difficult holiday for those who suffer with eating disorders and insecurities: the big meals, being around your family and feeling judged/being questioned. Whether you're feeling the need to be skinny or worrying about overeating over the holiday season understand you're not alone in feeling this and there are ways to manage your experiences.

All too often we compare ourselves and our bodies to the bodies of those around us. The media is constantly promoting very specific ideals of "beauty" that we often feel we don't live up to. We begin to dislike our bodies. Sometimes we have so little control over the things in our life that we begin to take serious control over our diets.

• How to tell if you, or someone you know, may be living with bulimia nervosa. Know the signs and symptoms and find out about treatment and help.
• How to tell if you, or someone you know, is living with anorexia. Know the signs and symptoms and find out about treatment and help.
• Don't forget that eating disorders aren't all about a lack of food. Over-eating and comfort eating are just as much of a problem as bulimia and anorexia. Many people eat to cope with stress, sadness or to reward ourselves. We begin to associate food with happiness. Emotional eating does not fix emotional problems. In fact if often makes people feel worse. You feel sad so you eat. You feel guilty for eating. You feel upset because you don't actually feel any better. It often leads to obesity or can lead to bulimia. The cycle begins again. It's sometimes called "emotional eating" and it's actually incredibly common. Click here to find out if you're an emotional eater and how to differentiate between physical hunger and emotional hunger and how to deal with them. It will tell you how to recognise the emotional triggers that lead to emotional eating so you can begin to take control of your diet and regain a healthy relationship with food.
• If you know someone with an eating disorder then here is information on how to help them. Try not to be too overbearing. This is a very difficult condition. You may be hesitant to say anything at first but the longer this goes on, the longer the person is suffering and going with incorrect nutrition. Remember to communicate your concerns in a caring and non-confrontational manner. Do NOT comment on how they look; instead you should focus on more emotional responses to their condition. Let them know you love them and that you worry for them. Do so without shaming them or making them feel guilty and provide a safe and open atmosphere so they can perhaps talk about their emotions and experiences. Take things slowly and make sure you give them love and patience. Here is further information on treatment and recovery. 
• For further information, check out the National Eating Disorder Association website.

Admitting to an eating disorder is the first step to recovery. It's not weakness. Do not feel ashamed. Just try to focus on being a healthier you because you deserve no less.