The holiday season can be a time full of joy, cheer, parties and family gatherings. But for many people, especially those recovering from an eating disorder, it's a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past failures and anxiety about an uncertain future. Family gatherings with a loved one in recovery from an eating disorder can be challenging and sometimes awkward. 

   Even innocent exposure to overeating with the family and during the holidays can often mark the beginning of a problem or even trigger a reoccurring one. Since overeating during the holidays and for special occasions is commonly dismissed as traditional, for those in recovery, the holidays are an especially hard time. And because the holidays can often be a stressful time, it's important for those in recovery to do what is needed in order to make it easier on themselves and not be pressured into eating more than can be handled.

   It's also important for those in recovery to continue to get support from support groups, sponsors, etc., during these stressful months. Be in close contact with your sponsor or others in recovery before or after social and family gatherings.  Bringing along a support person, someone who knows what you are going through, is also a good idea.

_________________________________________

Meier Clinics provides Christian counseling services at Timberline Knolls in Lemont, IL, for those residents and their families who request it. For more information on Timberline Knolls, please visit http://www.timberlineknolls.com.