5 Tips for Navigating Summer With an Eating Disorder

Summer is especially difficult for me as someone who has multiple eating disorders. So many of summer’s activities involve food — barbecues, festivals, etc. — and as the world opens up more than it has in over a year, I am finding myself having increased anxiety when it comes to my body and food. While food seems to be a big part of summer activities, there is also the added stress of exposing more of our bodies through cooler clothing and swimwear. I admit that I have been struggling with eating disorder behaviors, and I have been extremely anxious about how my body looks as it has changed since I have been in treatment for a little over a year. I am still getting used to how my body looks and feels now and having to wear cooler clothing and swimwear often sends me into a panic and makes it especially hard for me to maintain recovery.

If you are experiencing anxiety or stress over summer activities that are difficult for those of us with eating disorders, then I have a few tips for you. While navigating summer activities can be tricky, maintaining recovery and managing symptoms is possible. We are in this together.

1. Wear comfortable clothing.

It is important to acknowledge that what is defined as “comfortable clothing” differs for each person. The most important thing about this is that you shouldn’t feel pressured to dress in a certain way because that is what other people are doing. For example, I am not comfortable in clothes that reveal my body, so I tend to wear kaftans that are cool and loose. This type of clothing makes me feel closer to my spiritual side without making me feel like I am hiding. I shy away from shorts and tops that are more form-fitting because I am not comfortable with showing my form, but I also struggle with gastrointestinal issues due to some of my eating disorder behaviors and tight clothing exacerbates my symptoms.

2. Don’t feel pressured to participate in certain activities.

This can be anything from swimming, to going to a barbecue, to attending a food festival or anything in-between; however, it is important to try and differentiate between whether you feel that you may not be safe and use behaviors at a certain event or you are avoiding an event where you may need to challenge yourself. Of course, this all depends on where you are in your recovery process. Dependent on where you are, some events may be positive challenges to help you utilize your coping skills, while others may not be appropriate. If you have a therapist, consultant them about your feelings around a certain event and ask them to help you decide how to navigate it. Many times, therapists can help you create a plan of action to help you navigate the event. I have done this with my therapist, and it has helped me a lot. However, boundaries are also important, and you have the right to determine if an event does not respect your boundaries.

3. Put the camera away.

Body image concerns are a big part of many eating disorders, and it is one of the biggest issues I still struggle with on a daily basis when it comes to my eating disorder. Seeing myself in photos is frequently a big trigger, especially as my body continues to change throughout my recovery, and seeing myself in this way has led to me using eating disorder behaviors.

Summer seems to be a time when selfies, vacation photos and group photos are a reoccurring theme. However, if you are struggling with your body image, seeing yourself in photos may be triggering and derailing for your recovery process. Putting the camera away and notifying others that you don’t want to be photographed can be particularly helpful in your recovery process. If you have safe people in your life who are supportive of your recovery process and who you feel comfortable talking to about what you are experiencing, you can also ask them for help with letting others know that you don’t want photos to be taken of you. I have found that people are understanding when I explain to them my reasoning behind this request, and oftentimes they try to do everything they can to help me feel comfortable.

4. Ensure that you have a set recovery routine — and that you maintain it.

If you are in treatment or have been in treatment, chances are you have a set recovery routine that you have worked on with a therapist, nutritionist, psychologist or all of the above. Over time, your recovery routine can change based on your needs and level of support. One way to try and maintain your recovery routine is to write it out and have it where you can see it easily and remember to follow it. I have written my recovery routine down and done artwork around my writing to create a beautiful piece of artwork that catches my eye daily. I keep this with my daily planner and recovery journal, and it helps to remind me of my goals when I am struggling.

5. Maintain your group of support people, and utilize them.

Your support people can be professionals — therapists, nutritionists, etc. — as well as people close to your in your life. For example, my therapist is one of my main supports and she allows me to reach out to her when I need extra support or I am struggling. I also have a few friends who support me in my recovery process, and whom I can talk openly to if I am worried about a certain event or get-together. I am also a part of a few support groups for eating disorders on Facebook, and I find support from The Mighty as well. However you define support, try to ensure that you don’t isolate.  Eating disorders love isolation, and I often fall into the trap of isolation myself.

Summer, especially now that many parts of the world are beginning to open up again, is oftentimes a period of celebration and fun. But many classic summer events can be triggering for those in eating disorder recovery due to the use of food in festivities, the change of wardrobe and summer activities such as swimming that require little clothing, as well as the increased use of cameras and pictures being taken. Body image concerns and anxiety over food are especially difficult for those of us in eating disorder recovery, but you deserve to enjoy your summer, and I hope that my tips provide you with a more pleasurable experience. Recovery is difficult, but you are worth it.  Please reach out if you are in need of extra support from me!