Dear Stressed,

You bring up a great holiday question. Thanks. Many people with food disorders suffer during and holidays. Over-eaters also have similar stress when it comes to all the sweets and abundant tables.

I’m glad you are in treatment because you already have answers to your question. My best additional thought is to trust yourself. Know you have the ability to control your anxiety related to what people think. Stand tall, breathe deep, and focus on people, what they are wearing, and the house decorations. The anxiety is your enemy, not the food or what people might be thinking. Let them think whatever they want. You cannot control someone else’s thoughts.

Make your anxiety your friend. Pay attention to where it is in your body, and welcome it. It is uncomfortable and you do not like it at all, but it is not going to kill you. Learn to control your anxiety and people’s thoughts, and the pressure to perform by eating what is expected, won’t look like the monster chasing you.

Remember to stand tall, take up space, and look everyone in the eye as you visit. Also, don’t forget most holiday events only last a short time, and you can find the strength needed when the situation is temporary.

Sometime large problems have simple solutions.

Dr. J.

Until the next time Live while you live