Holiday periods can be challenging for many people for many different reasons, and we know living with eating distress can make certain times of the year more difficult.

Here are some things to remember which might help:

Plan ahead: “To prepare is half the victory”

• It is ok to state your needs and ensure they are met
• Take time to sit with someone you feel safe with and discuss your anxieties and triggers that may appear well ahead of time before Easter.
• It is ok if you can’t think of anyone. You can also make time to plan things ahead yourself.
• Work to make a plan that would help navigate the social occasions and meal-times and what to do when things get overwhelming.

Safe People

• Think of other people who you’d feel supported by during family gatherings and make them aware of being needed more during this time.
• Create a list of people that you could go to when things are starting to feel difficult, or who you could reach out to via a phone call or videochat.
• Let them know beforehand that you’ll be needing more support during this time so you can discuss with how they can best be there for you.

Safe words and safety

• Have conversations with the safe people about how they can be best supportive
• Safe word: Think of a safe word you can use when you need to take time away from everyone, so your safe person knows that and does not worry about where you went
• If not feeling like using a safe word, you can let people know beforehand that you might take a break for a while and let them know where you’ll be going when you’ll decide for a break.

Safe space and what to do

• Come up with a safe space that you can go to for breaks between socialising. If visiting other people, discuss it with the host beforehand to make sure that you have your own place to go (Own room, garden, etc).
• Create a list of activities and games to do with everyone that does not involve eating and drinking such as scavenger hunt, garden games etc. You might start new Easter traditions.

Main things to remember

• Accept that it may be a challenging time.
• Plan ahead for things that you can do to make yourself feel better when difficult emotions come up.
• Think ahead about what triggers might arise
• Work with people and discuss with them ahead of time what will be supportive for you.

You don’t have to celebrate - it can be just like any other day in the year!