Navigating Christmas with an Eating Disorder: Support, Compassion, and Where to Turn for Help

For many people, Christmas is portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for those experiencing an eating disorder—or caring for someone who is—this season can feel overwhelming. Changes in routine, food-centred gatherings, family dynamics, travel, financial stress, and social expectations can all intensify anxiety, shame, or self-criticism.

At The London Centre, we know that the festive period can be particularly challenging. If you are struggling, you are not alone, and support is available.

Why Christmas Can Feel Difficult

There are many understandable reasons why this time of year can heighten eating disorder symptoms:

• Food in the spotlight – meals, snacks, and celebrations can create pressure or anxiety around eating.

• Changes in routine – lack of structure can make symptoms harder to manage.

• Comments from others – well-meaning remarks about food, appearance, or weight can feel triggering.

• Increased social expectations – trying to “hold it together” can escalate shame or self-criticism.

• Loneliness or isolation – Christmas can highlight difficult emotions if relationships feel strained or if you are spending the holiday alone.

These experiences are not personal failings—they are completely understandable responses when you are struggling with an eating disorder or with mental health in general.  

Practical Ways to Support Yourself

If you are navigating Christmas with an eating disorder, the following strategies may help:

1. Keep as much routine as possible

Regular meals and snacks, planned in advance with your clinician or support network, can help reduce uncertainty and maintain stability.

2. Prepare for specific challenges

Think ahead about situations that may feel difficult—such as a large family meal or an unstructured day—and plan coping strategies or grounding tools you can use.

3. Set boundaries around conversations

It is completely okay to change the subject, remove yourself from triggering discussions, or gently let others know that diet or body-related talk is unhelpful.

4. Create moments of rest

The festive period can be overstimulating. Building in quiet, restorative moments—listening to music, journalling, going for a gentle walk, or simply pausing—can support emotional regulation.

5. Stay connected

If you have a therapist, clinician, or supportive friend or family member, consider arranging brief check-ins or letting them know what would help you feel grounded.

Supporting a Loved One with an Eating Disorder

If you are caring for someone this Christmas:

• Offer non-judgemental support, particularly around meals.

• Avoid comments on weight, appearance, or what someone is eating.

• Ask what they find most difficult and what would genuinely help.

• Remember that eating disorders are not a choice; they are complex mental health conditions that often worsen under stress.

• Keep communication gentle, curious, and compassionate.

Small acts of understanding can be profoundly helpful.

If You Are in Treatment at The London Centre

Our clinicians understand how challenging this time of year can be, and many clients find the festive period brings expected difficulties. Your therapist may help you plan:

• A structured meal plan or routine

• Coping strategies for specific events

• Ways to recognise and respond to early warning signs

• Relapse-prevention tools

• Boundaries to support emotional safety

If your usual clinician is on annual leave, we have clinicians working throughout the festive period who are available for check-ins, brief support sessions, or guidance if you need it. You are not alone, and support remains available even when your regular appointments pause.

If you are struggling, please reach out. We will always aim to respond as quickly as possible, though our office hours do vary over the holiday period.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Eating disorders can become medical or psychological emergencies. Please seek urgent support if you experience:

• Severe physical symptoms (fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain)

• Risk of self-harm or suicide

• Rapid escalation of symptoms that feel unmanageable

• Concerns about your ability to maintain safety

If you are worried about someone else’s safety, please seek professional help without delay.

Crisis Support Over Christmas

If you or someone you know is in crisis:

• 999 or A&E — For immediate medical or mental health emergencies

• NHS 111 — For urgent health advice

• Your local NHS Crisis Team — Contact information is listed via your local NHS Trust

• Samaritans (24/7) — 116 123

• Shout Text Support (24/7) — Text SHOUT to 85258

• BEAT Eating Disorders Helpline –

• Helpline: 0808 801 0677

• Studentline: 0808 801 0811

• Youthline: 0808 801 0711

If you are under the care of an NHS Eating Disorder Service, please refer to the crisis plan provided by your team.

A Message of Compassion This Christmas

If this Christmas feels difficult, please know your feelings are valid. The pressure to be cheerful can be immense, but you are allowed to move through the season at your own pace.

Recovery is not defined by one day, one meal, or one setback.
You deserve support, gentleness, and understanding—not just at Christmas, but always.

If you would like to speak to a clinician or explore specialist treatment in the new year, we are here when you feel ready.

To contact us, please click here.