Maintaining Eating Disorder Recovery During Winter Break
The prospect of returning home after a stressful college semester is eagerly anticipated by many. For individuals struggling with an eating disorder, the adjustment from a college setting to a home environment can have an impact on eating disorder recovery. A variety of factors ranging from familial support, family dynamics, and treatment team accessibility can make or break a successful transition back home while in recovery.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
Early January can be overwhelming for many people, especially students. Anxiety caused by the holidays may continue into the New Year for college students returning home for winter break. Instead of focusing on classes and studying, they get to sleep in their own bed, socialize with friends they have not seen in a while, watch more TV, and de-stress from the demands of college. While this may seem fun and exciting, challenges may arise for those in eating disorder recovery.
According to Mental Health America, college recess can be stressful for students who do not have a routine as they did during the semester. The lack of routine can result in an excess of free time and boredom, which can be triggering for many in recovery. Others may not have a good relationship with their family, not have close friends at home, or be concerned about finances. If students in recovery do not feel supported, they may revert to eating disorder behaviors to handle their emotions.
Although the transition from school to home can be difficult, below are a few ways college students in eating disorder recovery can manage being at home:
Set Boundaries: Before coming home, boundaries, like having time alone and avoiding certain conversation topics (like appearance, portions, calories, or exercising) should be discussed and respected. Students can also ask to do non-food related activities with family, but should not feel obligated to attend events that make them anxious.
Stay in Touch with Friends: Staying in contact with supportive friends from school or home is important when in recovery. Having a set day or time to be with someone in-person or online can be helpful as well. Ways to socialize at home during a pandemic include having a virtual game, spa, or movie night.
Meet with Your Treatment Team: It is important for students to remain in touch with their treatment team while away from college. Treatment providers near school can provide referrals closer to a student’s home or possibly offer virtual services. Many treatment centers offer virtual treatment groups & services for students to receive extra support while home.
Create a Routine: Having a consistent schedule, like waking up and going to sleep at the same time, having meals at the same time, and setting a time to bathe or shower, helps students reestablish a routine. Others may check in with a support person or journal at certain times of the day. Those in recovery should follow a meal plan created by their treatment team.
Limit Time Spent on Social Media: Many college students scroll through social media when they are bored. However, social media posts around this time of the year often focus on New Year’s resolutions relating to weight loss, and such posts can be triggering. As a result, students should be aware of the social media content they follow and how often they are on these platforms.
Plan Ahead: It may be helpful to prepare for the upcoming semester before classes resume. Students can purchase textbooks, update their resume, and read available class syllabuses.
Relax: Although having structure to stay occupied is beneficial, it is also important for students to relax. Self-care activities like journaling, beginning a new TV series, starting a new hobby, or doing anything else that is enjoyable, can be very helpful for students in recovery. Many also find reading to be calming since there is often insufficient time to read for pleasure during the semester.
Although many college students look forward to winter break, it may not be enjoyable for all of them. Those in recovery may be anxious about not having a lot to do or may worry about not having the support that they need. However, even if a support person is not physically close, communication is still very important and fairly easy these days. Students recovering from an eating disorder should stay in touch with their treatment team and supportive friends or relatives by phone or even by online video conferencing. With the right preparation, support, routine, and time to relax, those in recovery will be better able to manage their emotions and avoid eating disorder behaviors prior to the start of the spring semester.
If you’re looking for extra recovery support during the holidays, we are excited to now offer Winter Break Virtual Support for College and High School Students, with several flexible short-term intensive programming options. All of our programs are offered in a virtual format and will be open on a rolling admissions basis with individualized treatment plans tailored to one's schedule during the holiday season. Click the button below for more information!
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!