In the run-up to Christmas, there is a lot to juggle. The gifts we need to buy, the plans we have to make to see loved ones, how we might manage disruptions to our routine - all of these things can be difficult to handle at once.
In the lead up to Christmas, those joining our online support groups have been talking about coping with an eating disorder at Christmas and the plans they are putting in place this year to help ease any worries and concerns.
The run up to Christmas can be really exciting: preparing for holidays, time with family and friends, parties, presents and often lots of food. But that excitement can be equalled and even overshadowed by worry, guilt, resentment and panic.
Whatever this Christmas season is like for you, I want to give you hope for the Christmas future. I can't tell you that recovery is linear, or that five years on I don't still have wobbles and moments of doubt. But I can say that all of my efforts, all of the hard work and fear that has gone into my recovery has been worth it.
A one-off workshop for carers, to help you understand the challenges of Christmas – and how to handle them.
Christmas has always been a very busy and exciting time for me. Singing with my church choir, playing at events with the school orchestra – there was an endless number of things that I looked forward to. Many involved food and going out for meals, which I also loved to do.
We talked to our Helpline Manager, Sam, about some of the common questions her team gets around this time of year, and her insights and tips for dealing with the challenges of Christmas.
I understand how the hustle and bustle of Christmas bells and laughter can be so quickly swept away by the intrusion of food-related thoughts that spark from the voice of an eating disorder. I wanted to remind each of you that even though things appear rather dark right now, there is hope!
Recovery takes time and it isn’t a race – as long as I’m on the right track it doesn’t matter how long it takes me to reach the finish line. I'’ll get there eventually, and next Christmas perhaps anorexia won’t be invited at all.
Isabella discusses navigating Christmas with an eating disorder and Beat's support services over Christmas.
Services available for people affected by an eating disorder over the Christmas period.
Growing up, Christmas was my absolute favourite time of year and now that I am rid of my eating disorder, I am free to enjoy the festivities once again. However, I spent two awful Christmastimes, the first with bulimia and the second with binge eating disorder.
It can be hard to enjoy a holiday when there are so many things around that make it feel chaotic. For someone like me, who copes with anxiety by needing structure and routine, the spontaneity and fun of a holiday season is enormously difficult to navigate.
The NHS and leading eating disorder charity Beat have drawn up new guidance to help people of all ages suffering with an illness and their families cope over the festive season.
It's time we accepted our lives shouldn't be ruled by a number on a scale, or what clothing size we are but by what kind of person we are.
Support is available for everyone supporting a loved one with an eating disorder in Northern Ireland this festive season.
Beat supporters Emily and Elisha reflect on their experiences of navigating Christmas with an eating disorder.
My head was constantly filled with self-loathing thoughts. I couldn't concentrate on anything other than hating the skin I was in.
During her degree, Jen brought the fight against eating disorders to her campus.
For International Dance Day, hear from professional dancer Jonny about his journey to recovery from his eating disorder.