The festive season is a particularly difficult time for people with eating disorders and disordered eating, as the celebrations are centred around food. To accompany this, there is an expectation to be happy and relaxed, but this is often not the case for many people and those from other cultures who may not feel understood by their family and peers.

If you are feeling anxious, worried or stressed about the upcoming festivities that is completely normal and you
are not alone in feeling that way. Rest assured there are things you and those around you can do to lessen the anxiety.

Our Patient Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) committee have produced a ‘how-to’ guide on getting through the holidays. This guide is for people of all genders, ages and ethnicities who experience an eating disorder or disordered eating.

It is also helpful for family members and friends who can read our guide and learn how to show compassion if this time of year makes things difficult for those of us who may be struggling with our body image or relationship with food.