How Can I Manage My Eating Disorder During Summer Break? 8 Tips
Happy photos are just snippets; families can be complex and challenging, especially during summer break.
The Memorial Day long weekend portends the coming of summer. Summer is billed as the time for fun in the sun, a well-needed break from college, and an opportunity to spend time with family and friends hiking, boating, picnicking, and vacationing. However, downtime, loss of schedule, family gatherings, and a stretch of empty days lying ahead can pose a challenge for those in eating disorder recovery.
Family
Photos on social media show family reunion snippets with smiling siblings and well-behaved children in harmony with older relatives, but family can be a challenge during the summer break. You may have strained relationships with family members, or have family members who are toxic to recovery. You may even have friends or family whose relationship with food is not conducive to your recovery. What can you do when you’re under one roof? This can create pressure and anxiety. Buttons get pushed.
For someone who has recently been in treatment, returning to the context from which they came can be challenging. Families can inadvertently reinforce old patterns. This is why at Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (SCTED), we involve the family in learning how to support their loved one. Involving family helps them change as the person in treatment changes and makes for a more cohesive transition back to home life.
How Can I Manage My Eating Disorder During Summer Break? (Parents too)
8 Tips:
1. You are Not Alone
Wherever you are in your recovery or your life, change and downtime bring all aspects to the surface. Remind yourself (especially before an event) that everybody else is going through it, too. Don’t minimize your challenges; know you are not alone in them. Challenge yourself to eat foods that feel good and bring you joy!
2. Family Traditions
Summer break comes with family traditions, and food is a big part of it. The canoe comes out of the garage, and it calls for a paddle and a picnic! Or grandpa is visiting, and he likes hot dogs and Mom’s famous potato salad alfresco. There is an inherent problem for those who struggle with feeding themselves and eating during the summer break. Plan and pack ahead when you know you will be somewhere that does not have all the necessary components of a balanced meal plan, or incorporate your components. Know that your plate may look different from the rest of the family or friends group.
3. Seasonal Clothing
A change in temperature and activity (e.g., a beach day or a boat ride) can cause discomfort in clothing choices. You might be used to wearing oversized clothing that seems inappropriate. It’s okay to wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable.
4. Support System
Talk to your care team about mood changes and how to approach the things that concern you. Talk to your therapist, dietitian, or medical provider because they know you best. Be honest with them and be active and open-minded. Don’t lose sight of all the wonderful things happening because of the stressful times!
“We challenge our clients to eat food that feels good and brings them joy. Nourishing your body is the main priority.” Tessa Sterling, LMSW, Sanford Behavioral Health Clinical Director
5. Relationships and Social Situations
Summer means family. Individuals with eating disorders may have strained relationships with family members or friends who accept diet culture. The inevitable summer party may have partygoers who are not supportive of recovery. Give yourself permission to bow out for a period of time or altogether this summer. Families can be triggering or supportive of your recovery. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy, which is why at Sanford, we advocate for hands-on family-based support. The best thing anyone can do for the entire family system is to be honest and straightforward.
6. Education
Education is vital to family recovery. As a family, develop and understand eating disorders and what your loved one is going through. Also, let them be exactly where they are without expectation or judgment. Connect with them where they are. Ask, “How can I support you?” Or if that isn’t comfortable, say, “I want to be supportive of you. I am here for you.” If you do not understand what they are going through, your ability to help them is limited.
7. Social Media
There are many “feelings” during the summer season. You see these images of perfect families—all smiles, frolicking on the beach. We have to remind ourselves that, one, this is not real life, and two, we can have beautiful moments! This is an opportunity to create new feelings and express and experience those feelings. Say to yourself, “I can enjoy this,” and run towards those experiences.
8. Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
We are lucky that at Sanford CTED, we are having conversations about aftercare on day one. This ensures that our clients are supported every step of their journey. We have a full continuum of care at Sanford, which means we recognize that recovery is not linear. A great thing to add to the conversation as a family member or support is, “Do you have a relapse prevention plan? Are you comfortable sharing it with me?”
Summer Fun
Tessa Sterling, LMSW, Sanford Behavioral Health Clinical Director, says it best, “Summer can bring challenges for those who are new to recovery, actively struggling, or anyone who grapples with changes of season and body image concerns. No matter where you are on your journey, Sanford Behavioral Health can support you in maintaining health and longevity. At SCTED, we offer support during the summer space for those who need more structure and help with the challenges summer can bring. There are so many aspects of joy and excitement during the summertime. We’re here to reconnect individuals to the joyful parts.”
