Eating disorders and the summertime

One of our ambassadors suggested that this page was needed and sent in some helpful information. We contacted our youth forum who added some more of their ideas too.

Coping with an eating disorder is always difficult, and the summertime poses its own particular challenges. But these can be tackled, and you can enjoy the sunshine just like everybody else.

"I love Summer, and because the sun is out it's so much easier for me to get up and go to work! Plus even though I feel self-conscious sometimes wearing less clothes I just think "everyone else is in skirts etc and there is no reason why people would be judging me for it". Summer is when all the pretty dresses in my wardrobe come out of hibernation!! Don't feel scared to sit in the sun, work on your tan and have an ice cream, it's what Summer is all about! :)"

Body image

The warm weather means we wear less clothing, so more of our bodies are on display. This can be really tough if you’re not comfortable with your appearance. Try to remember that everyone feels self-conscious in their bikini, or swimming trunks, so they wont be looking at you. You can always stay covered up with a floaty dress or a sarong, or shorts and t-shirt.

Food

Summer involves lots of barbeques and ice creams and these foods can be quite triggering. If you are invited to a barbeque and you aren’t comfortable eating burgers and sausages then you can always take along something of your own to cook.  And remember that’s its ok to treat yourself and tuck in along with everyone else.

Sport

We tend to get more active in the summer, but activity requires energy so if you want to be running about then its really important that you eat enough to fuel your body.

Holidays

Holidays can be tough as you are with the same people for a long period of time and you tend to all eat together, so there may be more pressure than usual and you might feel under the spotlight. Also, if you are abroad, the food available might be unfamiliar and you might not feel comfortable with it.

Try to discuss your concerns in advance with your friends and family so that they will know to give you additional support, and breathing space if you need it. Maybe you could research the type of food served in the area you are travelling to and make a plan in advance of the type of things you’d be able to eat. Perhaps you could take some tins of food with you as a back up so you know you’ll have something you’re ok with.

Quote

"summer months can be hard as your friends are eating ice creams and bbq all throughout. but its not hard if you can ignore the anorexia side of your brain. try and make the summer as fun and full as possible you could try new sports or local summer clubs to keep you entertained. make yourself feel good and get some beauty treatments?

what i do as im still recovering i make myself fell good about how i look and that encourages me to eat because i think to myself well im not gonna change if i eat one thing and curves are much more beautiful.

i was looking at old photos from last summer and i made myself cry i looked so ill and pale even tho i was on holiday! i looked like an ill girl. i recently went on holiday and showed off my new curvy figure and i feel so much more confident now to walk around in a bikini. the photos from that holiday make me feel happy not upset. so come on girls and boys you can do this make you feel good about yourself it cant be simpler."

paige

Tips for the summertime

• I love 2 dress up very fun nd dance !!!
• yoga
• swimming
• drama
• being with animals (eg  my cats nd dog )

Gen

• I think spending time with people you are close to can really help as body shape or weight is never commented on (or very rarely) which can help to make you feel more ok about things.
• trips to the beach
• shopping (especially in London)
• renting a boat at the local canal centre
• playing pitch and putt and crazy golf
• going out for a walk in the countryside (but not too far!)
• going to outdoor music festivals
• going to bootsales
• taking younger children out to parks and farms
•  I'm sure there are many more :)

As for keeping my brain active I always set myself a little project and do some research into something I know very little about but am interested in. For example, I study a lot of science at the moment but would really like to find out some more things about mythology in particular norse mythology so that's the first thing I'll look into :) As for relaxing, there is nothing better than a good book and sitting in your sunny garden lol.

Hannah