Summer is often seen as a time of relaxation, fun, and social activities. However, for individuals with eating disorders, this season can bring about unique challenges that can exacerbate their use of symptoms and emotional struggles. The pressure to look a certain way, the abundance of pool/beach party, food-centric gatherings, and the disruption of routine can all contribute to heightened anxiety and stress. Here, we explore the specific hurdles faced by those with eating disorders during the summer and offer some insights into how they can navigate this difficult time and enjoy the summer!
1. Body Image Pressures
Summer is synonymous with swimsuits, shorts, and revealing clothing, which can be a significant source of distress for those struggling with negative body image. The pervasive societal ideal of the "perfect summer body" can intensify feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism that can lead to increased use of eating disorder symptoms and relapse.
Pro Tip: Challenge and reframe diet culture societal messages, standards and expectations. Emphasize self-acceptance and the understanding that all bodies are worthy of enjoying summer activities. Prioritize fun and connection over looks!
2. Social Events and Food
Summer often means barbecues, picnics, and parties, where food is a central element. For someone with an eating disorder, these events can trigger anxiety and fear around eating in public or being judged for their food choices.
Pro Tip: Planning ahead can help a lot. Bringing a safe dish to share, having a supportive friend or family member nearby, or even arriving at events after the meal can reduce stress if you feel that you're not there yet. Planned exposures and coping skills you identify with your therapist can help you deal with the challenges and ground yourself in the present moment.
3. Disrupted Routines
The structure provided by school or work often diminishes during the summer months, leading to irregular meal times and disrupted eating patterns which can trigger anxiety about meals and weight. For those with eating disorders, maintaining a routine is crucial for maintaining their recovery and continuing building on the skills needed to grow in their journey.
Pro Tip: Creating a summer schedule that includes regular meal times and self-care activities can help maintain a sense of stability and control. Maintaining appointments with your team and pushing your comfort zone by adding some exposure and self-exploration work can lead to growth, freedom, and improvement in your journey.
4. Increased Exposure to Media
Summer is also a peak time for advertisements and social media posts promoting diet culture and weight loss. This constant exposure can reinforce harmful behaviors and thoughts related to eating disorders.
Pro Tip: Limiting time spent on social media and curating a feed that promotes body positivity and self-acceptance as well as mental and emotional well-being can mitigate the negative impact of these messages.
5. Heat and Exercise
The hot weather can sometimes lead to an unhealthy relationship with exercise, where individuals may feel pressured to engage in excessive physical activity to achieve a certain body type.
Pro Tip: Focus on enjoying physical activities that are fun and make you feel good, rather than those solely aimed at burning calories and modifying our body. Hydration and listening to your body's signals are essential during hot weather.
6. Travel and Vacations
Vacations and travel can present additional challenges, such as unfamiliar foods, lack of control over meals, and a break from regular therapy sessions or support groups. This can give room to eating disorders to increase in struggles and symptoms.
Pro Tip: Communicate your needs with family, friends, and other travel companions as appropriate, and plan for how to handle food and self-care while away from home. You can put together a plan with your team on how to face different challenges and cope. Keeping in touch with your treatment team and other support network via phone or video calls can also provide continuity of care.
Summer can be a particularly challenging time for individuals with eating disorders, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to navigate these difficulties and enjoy the season. Recognizing the unique hurdles and proactively addressing them can help those with eating disorders maintain their recovery and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seeking professional help and connecting with supportive communities can make a significant difference.
Our team of professionals specialized in eating disorders and our personalized and holistic approach to eating recovery makes us a great place for you to start your healing journey. Take advantage of the summer and start your journey NOW! For more information about our services, please contact us today at info@homeforbalance.com or call us at 561.600.1424 for a FREE 30 minute consult!
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