Christmas For The Crazies: Coping With Christmas Whilst Living With Mental Health Disorders

They're there throughout the year and we often don't know they're there. They are battles beneath skin. They live in those we love. They sometimes live within us. There are times and situations in which they can become amplified to an almost intolerable point. I am referring to mental health issues. Far too often people may forget how difficult it can be for sufferers of mental health issues to live and enjoy life but I feel and fear that these problems potentially intensify around Christmas.

This Christmas I'll be thinking of all the people who have difficulty just getting by during the festive period because of mental health issues. I'll be sending my love out to anyone with body dysmorphic disorder or any form of eating disorder from anorexia to bulimia to emotional eating. With the Christmas meal and looming threat of over indulgence building an insane sense of guilt and pressure this can be an extreme time for those uncomfortable in their own skin. I'll be thinking of all the people with agoraphobia who want to see their family at Christmas but even leaving their home brings about intense feelings of anxiety. I'll be thinking of those with depression trying to move around the heaviness of their feelings or their numbness to try and enjoy what should be a happy time. I'm thinking of those who become over stimulated and uncomfortable or anxious in social situations who are striving through family meet ups and Christmas office parties. I'll be thinking of those who experience panic attacks whilst out Christmas shopping and surrounded by noise and hustle and bustle. As someone very familiar with some of these experiences I can say that I personally know how difficult Christmas can be and how difficult it can be to discuss because it's a time of year everyone loves that presents problems for us as individuals. I think it's important to remember that if you're getting through the festive season with a severe mental health disorder that you are a very strong individual. Living with any mental health problems will pose personal, individualised problems that only you can truly understand and it isn't easy. The fact that you're still going strong despite it all is inspirational and I'm thinking of you. I'm rooting for you.

I will be thinking of all the people out there who, rather than feeling joy and mirth, find themselves stressed and anxious in the run up to Christmas. I think it's important that we all remember that Christmas, though wonderful in nature, can cause a lot of stress, sadness and anxiety especially in those who experience high levels of these emotions on a daily basis. Drink sensibly, eat well, remain active and care for yourself and others through this time. Christmas has the potential to be wonderful but also very hard. If you suffer from a mental health issue and are struggling with the holidays don't be afraid to speak to your doctor or any relevant help services. If you know someone living with a mental health issue then try to remain patient, kind and supportive at this time.

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.

Eating Disorders: How To Recognise And Treat Eating Disorders

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.