Supporting a Loved One with an Eating Disorder on Halloween

Today is Halloween - which can bring up a lot of discomfort, stress and other difficult emotions - especially for those in recovery from an eating disorder. Costumes, parties, treats, all of which can be potential triggers, can make this time of year incredibly overwhelming or isolating.

For caregivers, Halloween can be challenging too. It’s not always easy to support someone on a day that feels like it’s surrounded by so many potential triggers. You might find yourself unsure of where to begin, which is completely okay. 

Here are some ways you can begin with supporting your loved one today:

Talk it through

Depending on your loved one’s age and plans, their Halloween festivities might have trick-or-treating involved, a dinner party, a house party, a bar or club event, or another type of gathering with friends and/or family, all of which can be heavily focused on food, alcohol and can bring up concerns over body-image. Acknowledging the difficult feelings that may arise can help your loved one feel seen and less alone. Open up a conversation about what’s worrying them, and explore ways to cope if triggers come up during their plans. Sometimes just talking through what’s ahead can ease a lot of the pressure.

Offer last minute activity and costume alternatives

Sometimes it’s good to talk about a back up plan in case things become too overwhelming. Some ideas could be:

• A movie night in 

• Decorating/carving pumpkins

• Doing halloween art/crafts

• Any other activities that they find comforting and low pressure

Reminding your loved one that they have other options can reduce the sense of feeling ‘trapped’ in plans that no longer feel right.

If their stress is connected to their costume, talk about ways to make it more comfortable, or brainstorm quick alternatives together. Thrift stores are great for second-hand costumes or clothing to piece together a last minute costume. Spirit Halloween (or your local halloween store) may still have some last-minute options (you can always call ahead to check what’s in stock).

Asking how they would feel best supported

They might prefer to try to handle things on their own, might feel fine about going on with their plans but would feel better if you checked-in throughout the night, etc. Everyone’s needs are different; asking them gives them a sense of control and safety. 

Reminder

Remind your loved one that at the end of the day their comfort and well-being comes first. However they choose to spend Halloween, whether it be out celebrating or at home recharging, what matters most is that they feel comfortable, supported and understood. 

You don’t have to have all the answers, seeking external support or researching the best ways you can be there for your loved one shows that you care and are doing the best you can.