EDFA’s Top 10 Tips for Eating Disorder Carers at Easter
Holidays, such as Easter, can be a stressful time for any family, but they can be particularly difficult when you are caring for someone with an eating disorder. There have been questions on Eating Disorders Families Australia’s (EDFA) Facebook Forum about how to navigate Easter treats and festivities for the whole family while supporting a loved one’s recovery journey.
Here are the top strategies from EDFA’s Fill The Gap team for navigating the food-focussed four days of Easter with sensitivity and care.
1. Self-Care
Make sure you are engaging in activities that help recharge you and look after your own well-being before, during, and after the holiday period. Making time to look after yourself puts you in a better position to support your loved one and also models the importance of self-care to the whole family.
2. Plan Ahead
Have a plan around family gatherings and mealtimes. Where possible, discuss what foods will be available if this helps to make your loved one feel more prepared. If your loved one has a treatment team, planning food options with their dietitian can also be helpful.
3. Shift Focus Away from Food
While Easter often revolves around meals, try to shift the focus towards the deeper significance of the holiday for your family. This could be spending quality time together, engaging in faith-based activities, or acts of kindness and giving. Connecting over other interests and hobbies outside the eating disorder is important for recovery.
4. Sensitive Topics
Sensitive topics like diets, exercise, food, weight, and shape can be triggering for someone with an eating disorder. Set clear boundaries by sending a pre-event reminder to family or guests to avoid discussing these topics. Some family members may want to support your loved one, but might not be sure how to do this appropriately. Offer guidance on supportive conversation topics to aid those who are unsure.
5. Navigating tricky conversations
Even with a reminder, some well-meaning family members may inadvertently make comments that could be upsetting or triggering to your loved one. Having a plan on how your loved one can respond to comments can be helpful. This might include scripted responses to help divert and steer the conversation towards neutral topics. Examples include asking the person who made the comment how they have been or what their plans are for the long weekend.
6. Post-Meal Distractions
Plan activities following meals to shift the focus from food and onto shared experiences. Family activities such as board games, trivia, or listening to music can help distract from your loved one from difficult thoughts. They can also help manage any urges to engage in eating disorder behaviours (e.g. to binge or purge).
7. Chocolate Dilemma
Often carers wonder if they should give their loved one Easter Eggs or chocolate. Depending on the family, this is still fine to do, particularly if it follows tradition or involves other siblings and family members. It’s helpful, however, to prepare your loved one for this. Let them know ahead of time that you will get them an Easter Egg, but there is no pressure for them to eat it. It may have the advantage of presenting them with an opportunity to try some if they want to.
8. Alternative Easter Treats
Easter and chocolate tend to go hand in hand, however, it can be a challenging focus for someone with an eating disorder. If needed, consider non-food gifts tailored to your love one’s interests and hobbies. For example, art supplies for budding artists, or sensory toys or cozy pyjamas may be some fun alternatives. Other popular alternative gift suggestions include heat packs, craft activities, or soft toys.
9. Establishing Safe Places
Create a plan for your loved one to retreat to a calm space or a safe person if festivities become overwhelming. It’s also important for you to manage your own stress, ensuring you have your own strategies in place to decompress if needed.
10. Focus on Hope
Easter is a time of hope and rebirth. Remind yourself and your loved one that recovery is possible and that you believe in their strength and resilience. Encourage them to stay hopeful and remind them that they are not alone in their journey. You are also not alone – EDFA is here to support and care for you.
About Eating Disorders Families Australia
Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) is the only national organisation solely for carers and families of those with an eating disorder. EDFA provides support, EDucation, advocacy, and counselling services. EDFA has a private forum, providing a safe place for eating disorder carers and family members to share experiences, seek advice and assistance, and find hope.
For more information about any of our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Other supports include:
Butterfly Foundation Helpline 1800 33 4673
LifeLine 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
