The Holiday Season: A Time of Stress and Silence for Those With Eating Disorders
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Pressure Cooker of “New Year, New Me” and the Need for support
Butterfly Communications and Engagement head Melissa Wilton explains the contrast between the holiday experience for many Australians and those struggling with eating disorders: “For many Aussies, the holiday period is a happy time with family gatherings over food, but for those with eating disorders, it’s a heightened period of stress and pressure where the eating disorder noise grows louder than ever.” Wilton emphasizes the prevalence of this internal struggle: “A staggering 75% of those living with an eating disorder contend with this internal struggle and frequently enough highlight it as a pivotal aspect of their eating disorder that requires clinical intervention.” Butterfly urges anyone experiencing this “noise” or signs of eating disorders and disordered eating to seek support. “At Butterfly, our Helpline counselors are qualified mental health professionals with specialist training in eating disorders and body image, ready to help quiet the noise for anyone in need of support this holiday season,” says Wilton. “Donations are also vital to ensure we can continue to provide this critical support to Australians who need it more than ever.”Well-known australian actress Mia Morrissey is lending her voice to raise awareness about the “ED Noise” by sharing her own lived experience. Morrissey’s complex relationship with food began when she was just 10 years old, but it wasn’t until she was 15 that her life felt truly out of control, leading to behaviors that ultimately resulted in perilous weight loss. “My eating disorder noise was completely isolating. It was all-consuming; a deafening cacophony of shame, anxiety, and hopelessness,” Morrissey shared. “And for a long time, I thought that noise was all I would ever hear. But recovery, to me, has meant quieting the eating disorder noise by learning to hear the other noise. The noise of joy, art, love, hope, and above all, strength.” Butterfly is also appealing for donations to sustain its vital virtual and in-person support groups and programs for individuals experiencing eating disorders or body image issues, and also their carers, friends, and family. They are also working to launch a new virtual intensive outpatient program—a much-needed step-down care option for people with eating disorders transitioning out of hospital. For more information and to support Butterfly’s critical work, visit butterfly.org.au/quietthenoise.
## Interview: Navigating the Holidays with an Eating Disorder
**Intro:**
The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy and festivity, but for the estimated 750,000 Australians struggling with eating disorders, this time of year can be incredibly challenging. Today we’re joined by [Alex Reed Name], a representative from Butterfly, Australia’s national charity dedicated to supporting those battling eating disorders and body image concerns. Welcome to Archyde, [Alex Reed Name].
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s talk about the unique challenges the holiday season presents for individuals with eating disorders.Butterfly has noted a meaningful increase in helpline calls during this period. Can you elaborate on what makes this time of year so difficult?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The holidays are filled with social gatherings centered around food, often with an emphasis on indulgence. This can be incredibly stressful for people with eating disorders, amplifying the already intense “eating disorder voice” or ”inner critic” that plagues them. This inner voice fixates on weight, shape, and eating habits, leading to anxiety, guilt, and potential relapse.
**Host:** You mentioned the “eating disorder voice.” Could you explain what that is and how it intensifies during the holidays?
**Alex Reed:** The ”eating disorder voice” is a relentless inner dialog that constantly criticizes and obsesses over food, body image, and weight. It thrives on stress and pressure, and the holiday season is a breeding ground for both. Family gatherings, holiday feasts, and social comparisons can all contribute to its intensification.
**Host:** Research indicates this inner voice plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders.How can individuals struggling during the holidays begin to challenge and quiet this voice?
**Alex Reed:** It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone and help is available. Reaching out to support systems, like Butterfly’s helpline or a trusted therapist, can be invaluable. Practicing self-care techniques like mindfulness, journaling, and engaging in enjoyable activities can also help manage the “eating disorder voice.”
**Host:** Butterfly has seen this trend of increased calls exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. What advice would you give to those struggling who might be hesitant to reach out for help?
**Alex Reed:** we understand reaching out can be difficult, but please know that you deserve support. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. butterfly’s helpline and online resources are available 24/7, providing a safe and confidential space to talk. You don’t have to go through this alone.
**Host:** Thank you so much for shedding light on this crucial issue, [Alex Reed Name]. We encourage everyone to visit Butterfly’s website at [website address] for more facts and support.
## Navigating the Holidays wiht an Eating Disorder: A conversation with Melissa Wilton
**Host:** Welcome back to the Archyde podcast. Today we’re discussing a challenging topic: navigating the holidays with an eating disorder. ItS a time often filled with joy and feasts, but for those struggling with these conditions, the festive season can be incredibly stressful.
Joining us is Melissa Wilton, Head of Communications and Engagement at Butterfly, Australia’s leading national charity supporting those affected by eating disorders. Welcome, Melissa.
**melissa:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** melissa, your institution has highlighted the holiday season as a especially difficult time for people with eating disorders. Can you elaborate on why this is the case?
**Melissa:** Absolutely. While the holidays are frequently enough associated with happiness and connection,for those struggling with eating disorders,the focus on food,weight gain,and social pressures can trigger intense anxiety and “eating disorder noise.” This internal dialog becomes louder, fixating on weight, shape, and eating habits, often leading to harmful behaviours.
**Host:** you mentioned “eating disorder noise.” Could you explain what that means?
**Melissa:** It’s essentially the relentless negative self-talk that plagues manny individuals with eating disorders. It’s a constant barrage of critical thoughts and anxieties about food, weight, and body image. During stressful periods like the holidays,this noise can become deafening,making it even harder to cope with difficult emotions and triggers.
**Host:** Butterfly has reported a significant increase in helpline calls during the holiday season. What advice would you give to those who are struggling right now?
**Melissa:** Firstly, know that you are not alone. Millions of australians experience similar struggles,and there are people who want to help. Butterfly’s helpline is staffed with mental health professionals specialized in eating disorders. They can provide immediate support and connect you with relevant resources.
Secondly, prioritize self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you manage stress. This could be exercise, spending time with loved ones, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in creative pursuits. be kind to yourself and remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination.
**Host:** What about friends and family members who want to support their loved ones with eating disorders during the holidays?
**Melissa:**
It’s crucial to remember that you can’t force someone to recover, but your love and support can make a world of difference. Educate yourself about eating disorders, avoid making comments about food or weight, and encourage your loved one to seek professional help. Offer practical support like cooking meals together or engaging in activities that don’t revolve around food. most importantly,listen without judgment and let them know you’re there for them.
**Host:** Melissa, thank you for shedding light on this critically important topic and for the valuable advice you’ve shared.
You mentioned that donations are crucial to ensuring Butterfly can continue its vital work. Can you tell our listeners how they can contribute?
**Melissa:** Absolutely. Donations, big or small, make a huge impact.They allow us to provide free support services, raise awareness, and fund crucial research.
You can visit our website, butterfly.org.au/quietthenoise, to learn more and make a donation.
**Host:** Thank you, Melissa. We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. And to our listeners, if you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please know that help is available.
Reach out to Butterfly’s helpline or speak to a trusted healthcare professional.
**[Outro music]**
