The holiday period can be a challenging time for people with eating disorders, an expert has warned. Around 80,000 residents of Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs fall into this category.
Tanya Durrand, the eating disorders service navigator at North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN), urged friends and families of people with eating disorders to recognise that this can be a time of heightened stress and concern.
“During December and January there are often a lot of social occasions that centre on food,” she said.
“Also, eating disorders and body image concerns can be very closely related. In the warm summer weather, there can be pressure to wear fewer clothes, which can be really stressful.”
Ms Durrand said the Butterfly Foundation – an Australian Government funded organisation that supports people with the conditions – had observed a regular holiday season spike in hospital admissions associated with eating disorders.
“The Butterfly Foundation also reports an increase in calls to its helplines in the December-January period,” she said.
“As well as the stresses inherent in big annual feasts, there is also a tendency to for some people to try out new dieting regimes for New Year, and that can also exacerbate some of the mental health impacts of eating disorders.”
Thankfully, though, there are some excellent tips and tricks freely available for people at risk, and those who care for them, to minimise the challenges of the holiday period.
Ms Durrand particularly recommended festive season support guides published by Eating Disorders Victoria, the Butterfly Foundation, and Eating Disorders Families Australia.
“And it’s important to remember that help and support are available during business hours through Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212,” she added.
For more information about Tanya’s work with NWMPHN, see this webpage.
