The aspects some eagerly anticipate with the arrival of the summer seasonwarm weather, beach trips, swimming pools, and barbecuesare the same reasons why others dread it.
As the weather warms, we shed layers of clothing; we traipse off to swimming pools and beaches in bathing suits; we hold backyard barbecues centered around food bringing us together.
We spoke with Robyn Cruze, Eating Recovery Centers National Recovery Advocate via email about what summer is like for someone who is struggling withor recovering froman eating disorder, how it affects their body image, and what you can do if you're struggling or know someone who is. Cruze herself struggled with an eating disorder for over a decade.
It seems like there has been a pushback against the notion of having a "beach body." One popular meme is a variation of the phrase "How to have a beach body. Step 1. Have a body. Step 2. Go to the beach."
"I love this message," Cruze says, but, "Sadly, I think even though this message is an uplifting and empowering sentiment, it doesnt ring true for many. Because, lets face it, whether you have an eating disorder or not, wearing a swimsuit in front of others can be pretty intimidating. Trying on swimsuits in a changing room is daunting too!"
"Totally," Cruze says, explaining, "Those with an eating disorder become hyper aware and critical of their body and tend to believe everyone else is judging them on the way they look."
Which brings Cruze to another point: "It is also a time where everyone is socializing more and food is a way that we celebrate and bond. For people with an eating disorder, these can trigger a sense of not being in control, and perpetuate eating disorder behavior to try not to feel so overwhelmed."
(As Cruze explains, to be "triggered" means "that overwhelming emotions rise when faced with situations or discussion usually around eating disorder behaviors, e.g., food and body.")
"[It's] not so much about the behavior but the mindset," Cruze explains. "We need to remember that eating disorders are mental illnesses. They stem from the brain. For someone one with an eating disorder, the change of diet and exercise has so much more attached to it than their body."
"It is about having control, medicating and numbing difficult emotions with behaviors," she continues. "Its about trying to make everything feel perfect so that they can feel better, and in turn attempt to relieve or manage an emotional burden."
"If you are working towards your recovery journey, go easy on yourself," Cruze says. "If you dont feel comfortable in a swimsuit, dont wear one. Know your triggers and challenge them safely with the guidance of your treatment team."
A tip for getting you through the summer: Dont try to do it all on your own.
"The best way to lessen emotional triggers is to share them with a close friend," Cruze suggests. "If you are a loved one of someone who is struggling with an eating disorder, be sure to ask your loved one how you can best support them through the summertime triggers. Lend them your listening ear, and although it can be hard, try to refrain from giving advice, its the best support you can give someone you love who is struggling with an eating disorder."
For additional information about Eating Recovery Center, call 877-789-5758, email info@eatingrecoverycenter.com, or visiteatingrecoverycenter.com to speak with a Masters-level clinician.
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How Summer Can Be Dangerous for Women with Eating Disorders - ATTN:
