{"id":69758,"date":"2022-12-22T11:46:21","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T11:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=69758"},"modified":"2022-12-27T16:32:56","modified_gmt":"2022-12-27T16:32:56","slug":"the-reality-of-christmas-for-those-battling-an-eating-disorder-its-like-dangling-wine-in-front-of-a-recovering-alcoholic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2022\/12\/22\/the-reality-of-christmas-for-those-battling-an-eating-disorder-its-like-dangling-wine-in-front-of-a-recovering-alcoholic\/","title":{"rendered":"The reality of Christmas for those battling an eating disorder: &#8216;It\u2019s like dangling wine in front of a recovering alcoholic&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two young Welsh women share how their eating disorders changed the way they celebrate Christmas<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">THIS Christmas, most of us will be looking forward to pulling crackers over a juicy roast turkey or digging into the chocolate tin that Santa has left us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">For those suffering from an eating disorder though, this joyful season brings feelings of great anxiety and dread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Last Christmas was the busiest ever for the helplines of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk\/christmas\/\">Beat<\/a>, the UK\u2019s eating disorder charity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cSo many people desperately needed someone to talk to,\u201d said Caroline, a helpline advisor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cI honestly don\u2019t know where some people would go if the helpline wasn\u2019t there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">If this is a feeling that resonates with you, it\u2019s important to remember <strong>you are not alone<\/strong>. Anyone can be affected, regardless of race, age, body type or gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Katrin, 24, from Cardiff<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:36%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70172\" width=\"390\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219.jpg 643w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219-264x300.jpg 264w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219-500x569.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219-293x334.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70172\" width=\"390\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219.jpg 643w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219-264x300.jpg 264w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219-500x569.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1219-293x334.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Katrin and her dog on New Year&#8217;s Eve. Image Credit: Katrin Moody<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:64%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Last Christmas, Katrin was one of the 1.25 million people in the UK with an eating disorder struggling to navigate the festive period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Katrin\u2019s unhealthy habits with food began as early as 13 and she felt that there was a lack of resources and education available during her teenage years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:18px\">In March 2021, Katrin was diagnosed with bulimia. The year prior to that,  her disordered eating had spiralled out of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:18px\">In the space of 12 months, Katrin experienced the death of her older brother in a tragic car accident and an end to a toxic relationship. All the while, she was working in a mental health ward at the height of Covid-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:18px\">This has been Katrin\u2019s festive reality for the last two years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light has-parallax\" style=\"min-height:369px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\"><\/span><div role=\"img\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-70191 has-parallax\" style=\"background-position:50% 50%;background-image:url(https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1220-scaled.jpg)\"><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\">\u201cWinter 2020 is when I realised I was using exercise as an unhealthy coping mechanism,&#8221; she says.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\">&#8220;It was the height of Covid-19. I was grieving the loss of my brother while working in a hospital. As well as, trying to find somewhere to live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\">\u201cIt was all very stressful. And not being able to access the gym on top of that \u2013 everything snowballed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\">\u201cWhen Christmas 2021 arrived, I was at the beginning stages of my recovery journey, and I was stuck in the house with all these goodies. It was a tough time. I had no way out and no distraction techniques. It set me off completely, into an unhealthy cycle of eating and purging.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>An eating disorder steals from you, anything you would have previously enjoyed.&#8221; &#8211; Katrin<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Although Katrin feels more confident celebrating Christmas this year, she explains that she is still apprehensive about the upcoming festivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cI still feel a bit anxious in the run-up to the festive season because tempting food is everywhere,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cIn work, people will bring Christmas treats into the ward for everyone. It\u2019s like dangling wine in front of a recovering alcoholic in a way. When you are constantly surrounded by it, you get anxious because you think: I want to eat it but should I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Katrin recalls a time before her eating disorder took hold. In sixth form she and her close friend, Caity, would go to Tesco and buy a tub of ice cream to eat. She said: \u201cWe just enjoyed the food. But bulimia completely changed that for me. An eating disorder steals from you, anything you would have previously enjoyed.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/vimeo.com\/781948550\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Katrin on the struggles of having bulimia at Christmas. Video credit: Shannon McGuigan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eve, 22, from Swansea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:46%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70204\" width=\"409\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188.jpg 947w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-255x300.jpg 255w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-870x1024.jpg 870w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-770x906.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-500x588.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-293x345.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 409px) 100vw, 409px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70204\" width=\"409\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188.jpg 947w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-255x300.jpg 255w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-870x1024.jpg 870w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-770x906.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-500x588.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/754b2a03-1f38-47ed-98ac-764fcccc6188-293x345.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 409px) 100vw, 409px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eve socialising with friends. Image Credit: Eve Davies<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:54%\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Like Katrin, Eve also began to use exercise to an unhealthy point. At 15 years old, Eve started running with her friends. The perfectly innocent activity soon became an obsession for the teenager. Shortly after, she became restrictive with the food she was eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Chatting over hot americanos in the cold winter wind, Eve explained how, as her appearance and habits changed rapidly, her friends noticed and would often ask her if she was okay. She said: \u201cI would shut down any questions about it. I always denied I had a problem because I thought I was being healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">At 18 Eve sought professional help for the first time because her periods stopped. Despite being visibly underweight and telling the doctor that she ran frequently, the doctor told her it wasn\u2019t a problem unless she was trying to get pregnant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cThey very much brushed off the issue,\u201d Eve said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">There were many opportunities to help Eve that were missed. And coming from a family of foodies, Christmas was not always easy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light has-parallax\" style=\"min-height:367px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\"><\/span><div role=\"img\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-70213 has-parallax\" style=\"background-position:50% 50%;background-image:url(https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/IMG_1217-2-1024x782.jpg)\"><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\">\u201cChristmas is a bit of a nerve-wracking time,&#8221; she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\">&#8220;You worry more about the comments others will make. I just don\u2019t want people to draw attention to what I am eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\">\u201cI am still going through a period of my life where those around me are adjusting to my recovery. This will eventually change. But it does make me more conscious of what I say to others because even the smallest comments can harm somebody else.&#8221; <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-x-large-font-size\">It was abrupt but he was right. You can\u2019t live like this forever.\u201d <\/p>\n<cite>Eve<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Eve\u2019s family would make small changes around Christmas to make the day easier. A buffet for dinner where she could choose the food she wanted. And stockings filled by her mum with nuts instead of chocolate. Eve hadn\u2019t eaten chocolate for four years: \u201cI forgot how it tasted,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">But all these small changes made an overwhelming day easier for Eve amid the height of her eating disorder struggles.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Her wake-up call came in a conversation with her boyfriend about their future together. \u201cWe talked about having kids and he told me he would be concerned if I continued my unhealthy habits in front of our potential children. It was abrupt but he was right. You can\u2019t live like this forever,\u201d said Eve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Eating disorders make it hard for people to enjoy Christmas altogether says Dr Marc Williams, a lecturer at Cardiff University and a clinical psychologist of 10 years experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cEverything food-related ramps up. You go to your local supermarket and there are all sorts of deals. It very much feels like an assault of food-related things,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">However, planning before the celebrations is a way you can support a loved one who is struggling with food during the Christmas holidays.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cHaving discussions with the person who has an eating disorder, having foresight of those potential triggers well in advance and planning how to deal with it, is the advice I would give,\u201d said Dr Williams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cYou want someone with an eating disorder to eat regularly over the Christmas period. In a way that isn\u2019t out of control and that doesn\u2019t involve bingeing or under-eating.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"People holding hands over a table\" class=\"wp-image-70368\" width=\"291\" height=\"437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-770x1155.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-293x440.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-1400x2100.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"People holding hands over a table\" class=\"wp-image-70368\" width=\"291\" height=\"437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-770x1155.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-293x440.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-1400x2100.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/12\/priscilla-du-preez-aPa843frIzI-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People with eating disorders need support at Christmas. Image: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/aPa843frIzI\">Priscilla Du Preez<\/a><br><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Susie Pinchin, a BACP accredited counsellor, echoed Dr Williams&#8217; advice for supporting those with an eating disorder at Christmas time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cIt\u2019s a case of planning,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Share with others that Christmas is going to be difficult for you. Say what you might find helpful to navigate this stressful time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cPutting less focus on food may help. Have a nice meal but then perhaps discuss the games you will play afterwards. Not, &#8216;we have just had a lovely meal, so now let\u2019s get the chocolates out&#8217;.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The language we use is also important in supporting others. What we may think are minor comments can be harmful to those suffering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cIf you have an eating issue hearing things like &#8216;stuffing ourselves&#8217;, &#8216;let\u2019s go pig out&#8217;, &#8216;let\u2019s get the chocolates out&#8217;, it can be overwhelming and difficult for people to deal with,\u201d says Susie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Many people will be struggling with an eating disorder this festive season. Small changes in traditions and language can help ease a stressful time for them. Beat, the eating disorder charity is also here to help. They have resources and advice available on their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk\/\">website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder this Christmas, you can contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-a-gp\">local GP<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beat\u2019s helpline for Wales on 0808 801 0433. They are open 365 days a year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beat\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk\/get-information-and-support\/get-help-for-myself\/i-need-support-now\/one-to-one-web-chat\/\">one-to-one web chat<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As eating disorder helplines get busier over Christmas, two young Welsh women share how it changed the way they celebrate the festive season<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":908,"featured_media":70162,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,1],"tags":[8206,8205,944],"coauthors":[8085],"class_list":["post-69758","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-longer-reads","category-outabout","tag-beat-charity","tag-christmas-time","tag-eating-disorders"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - 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