Election periods can be stressful for everyone, but for those in eating disorder recovery, the heightened emotions and pervasive media coverage can pose additional challenges. The combination of anxiety, uncertainty and emotional intensity can trigger old habits and jeopardize progress.
Here are a few ways that you can protect your recovery and maintain your well-being during these tumultuous times.
Limit Media Exposure
Constant exposure to election news can be overwhelming. It’s important to stay informed, but consider setting boundaries:
Set Specific Times: Allocate certain times of the day to check news updates rather than continuously consuming information.
Choose Reliable Sources: Stick to reputable news sources to avoid sensationalism and misinformation. Remember, sources such as TikTok, Facebook and even some news stations are not providing reliable information and sometimes intentionally share misinformation, only to create more stress and division.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Stress management is crucial for maintaining your recovery:
Mindfulness Techniques: Practice deep breathing, meditation or yoga to help center yourself and reduce anxiety.
Joyful Movement: Engaging in movement that you enjoy releasing endorphins and release stress.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings to process emotions without turning to disordered eating behaviors.
Stay Connected to Your Support System
Your support network is a vital resource during stressful times:
Reach Out: Regularly communicate with friends, family, or a therapist to share your feelings and receive encouragement.
Support Groups: Participate in eating disorder support groups, whether online or in-person, to connect with others who understand your experiences.
Establish Boundaries
Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your mental health and well-being:
Avoid Political Conversations: It’s okay to inform those around you that you prefer not to engage in political discussions. You can do this calmly and non-defensively, explaining that this boundary is important for your mental health.
Filter Unwanted Content: Utilize social media features such as blocking, unfollowing, silencing or taking a break from certain individuals. These tools can be invaluable when you need a temporary or permanent break from someone’s posts or comments. If you find someone’s content uncomfortable or triggering, it’s perfectly fine to filter it out. This doesn’t mean you don’t value the person or that you’re cutting them out of your life; it simply means you are prioritizing your mental health by setting necessary boundaries.
Stay Connected to Your Support System
Your support network is a vital resource during stressful times:
Reach Out: Regularly communicate with friends, family and your care team to share feelings and receive encouragement.
Support Groups: Participate in eating disorder support groups, whether online, in-person to connect with others who understand your experiences. If you are looking for some free support groups check out organizations such as the Eating Disorder Foundation and the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Reasons adult alumni—We have a free, weekly support group for you, email Crayton for more information!
Maintain a Routine
Consistency is key in recovery:
Nourish Your Body: If you are currently on a meal plan, stick to it! The consistency of your meal plan can help you stay on track during these stressful times. If you are not on a meal plan and are finding it challenging to fuel yourself, reach out to your dietitian and come up with a strategy together to help ensure you’re nourishing your body regularly.
Daily Schedule: Keep a consistent daily routine that includes self-care activities, work and leisure.
Be Kind to Yourself
Self-compassion goes a long way:
Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with affirmations and remind yourself of your progress and strengths.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories in your recovery journey.
Show Yourself Grace: Recovery can be challenging, especially when dealing with the daily stresses of life and the added pressures of election seasons. Be kind to yourself; it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to seek additional support when needed.
Seek Professional Help
Don’t hesitate to seek professional support:
Reach out to your outpatient care team for additional support. If you do not have an outpatient team, let us know and we can help you identify providers in your area!
Reach out to our Reasons Eating Disorder Center intake team at, 844-573-2766. If you feel like you are needing additional eating disorder support, we are here to help. Our master’s level clinicians can help you navigate your options so that you can make an informed decision about your care.
Focus on Self-Care
Prioritize activities that promote your well-being:
Hobbies and Interests: Engage in hobbies and activities that bring you joy and distract you from the election stress.
Rest and Relaxation: Ensure you’re getting enough rest and taking time to relax.
Election periods can be a challenging time for those in eating disorder recovery, but with mindful strategies and a strong support system, you can navigate this period while protecting your progress. Remember, your recovery is a priority, and taking steps to safeguard it is an act of self-love and resilience.
If you find yourself struggling, reach out for help. Support is always available, and you don’t have to face this alone. Your well-being matters, and with the right tools and support, you can maintain your recovery even in the most stressful times.
