Halloween and Eating Disorder Recovery
The spooky season is finally upon us! While many of us look forward to the frightful festivities that Halloween has to offer, this haunting holiday can be particularly scary for individuals recovering from an eating disorder. Being mindful of potential triggers and preparing yourself with healthy coping mechanisms can set you up for a positive, enjoyable Halloween experience.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
Many people look forward to autumn as it signifies the approaching holiday season. October is a time for fall festivities, cool weather, colorful leaves, pumpkins, and, of course, Halloween traditions. Halloween is a time of celebration for all ages and many look forward to choosing a costume, going trick-or-treating, and making the holiday a social experience.
However, because Halloween is associated with candy and sweet foods, the anticipation of October 31st can be challenging for someone recovering from an eating disorder. According to the Center for Discovery, although many holidays may be difficult, Halloween causes additional stress and anxiety for those who struggle with their body image, especially while looking for costumes. Many people feel pressured to wear similar outfits to their peers, even if the costumes make them feel insecure or uncomfortable.
For individuals with eating disorders, food is often a sensitive, potentially triggering subject. It can be incredibly overwhelming to attend Halloween festivities which primarily revolve around food and desserts. Those with anorexia may become anxious or withdrawn around food, while those with bulimia or binge-eating disorder may feel inclined to over-eat, which may result in purging.
Although people have different fears and concerns surrounding Halloween, below are some tips to help get through Halloween festivities:
Wear Something Comfortable: As stated by the National Eating Disorders Association, seeing others in Halloween costumes can lead to self-comparison. Many people wear revealing costumes which can affect one’s self-esteem and make one feel insecure. Other alternatives to wearing a costume while still taking part in the festivities include wearing a Halloween-themed t-shirt or accessorize a regular outfit with headbands, costume ears, makeup, or jewelry. People should feel confident in what they are wearing, not pressured to dress a certain way.
Stay With a Friend: Whether someone is trick-or-treating or passing out candy, it is often helpful to do these activities with a friend or loved one. Social settings, especially with food, can be overwhelming, so having a close and trustworthy friend nearby who can provide support will be beneficial. Friends can also help with encouraging a person not to act on potential eating disorder behaviors or urges.
Do Not Alter Meal Plans or Compensate For Food: Although the holidays can be a challenging time for individuals with eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors, meal plans should not be modified unless instructed by a dietitian. Your treatment team should help incorporate Halloween snacks into your meal plan. Having planned out meals can help prevent a binge episode, which may also occur as a result of food restriction. Prior to treatment, many only eat certain foods if they engage in compensatory behaviors to offset the calories consumed. Instead, people should eat intuitively, not label foods as “good” or “bad,” or feel like they need to make up or compensate for food through restricting, exercising, or purging.
Suggest a Different Activity: The amount of candy and desserts associated with Halloween can be triggering for people in eating disorder recovery. Friends and loved ones can engage in different non-food activities such as watching Halloween movies, carving or decorating pumpkins, going to a haunted house or pumpkin patch, hanging out with friends, or staying home. It is important to practice self-care and do what is best for you.
Use Coping Strategies: If the socialization and food aspect of Halloween is too anxiety-provoking, people can use small de-escalation objects such as a stress ball, fidget spinner, or silly putty to relax. They can also talk with someone, get fresh air, or practice breathing techniques. It is important to remember that Halloween can be challenging. If an event is too triggering, it is okay to leave!
Halloween can be a scary and stressful time for individuals recovering from an eating disorder. It takes time and patience to develop a positive relationship with food and body image, and with Halloween focusing on both of these areas, it can cause additional anxiety for many. With the right preparation and support, those in eating disorder recovery can learn to successfully manage and control their emotions around candy, parties, and costumes. People should understand that Halloween can be treated as a regular day, and does not have to be stressful for it to be enjoyable and festive.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we treat the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other distorted eating behaviors and body image issues. We offer clients four distinct levels of care to meet their specific treatment needs, including a day program, weeknight program, step-down groups, and individual nutrition services. Click the button below to learn more about our programs and services.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!