Tips for Anxiety and Loss of Appetite During Seasonal Holidays
It’s the time of year where we gather together with friends, family and coworkers to celebrate the end of another year and the seasonal holidays. Ideally, it’s a festive time of celebration and connecting with loved ones. But for those diagnosed with mesothelioma, festive feasts can cause some anxiety and feelings of isolation.
Eating and drinking is usually a big part of holiday celebrations. Seasonal favorites include egg nog, Christmas cookies, babka, challah bread, mulled wine, sweet potato pie and other decadent offerings.
For many people with mesothelioma, eating and drinking can be a challenge as a result of a variety of treatments or disease symptoms. Loss of appetite, nausea, pain, fluid retention (ascites), mouth sores, constipation or diarrhea can all impact the ability and desire to eat. If a mesothelioma patient is struggling with eating or weight loss, they may need to limit their consumption of certain foods that can exacerbate their symptoms.
Not being able to eat much during the festivities of the holiday season can be a source of stress. But our tips can help make holiday gatherings more enjoyable.
Navigating the Emotional and Social Factors of Food
A balanced mesothelioma diet is particularly important for survivors, but food and drinks are not only nourishment and hydration for our body. They have significant social and emotional meanings as well.
We show affection and celebrate important events with food, like the tradition of birthday cake and ice cream. We bond socially over a cup of coffee with a friend or a pitcher of beer while playing darts at a sports bar or pub. We demonstrate care and concern for a sick friend when we bring them soup if they’re sick or a casserole if they’re mourning.
Because mesothelioma survivors often need to adjust their diet to manage symptoms and treatment side effects, they’re not always able to participate in celebrations the same way they did before their diagnosis. Not being able to enjoy the same foods as your loved ones during a holiday gathering can lead to feeling isolated.
Not being able to eat and drink celebratory food and beverages may feel like a painful loss and reminder of the challenges of mesothelioma. It can also feel stressful from a social perspective.
Family and friends may unknowingly pressure or guilt the survivor for not eating or drinking like everyone else. Pressures to join in the fun and not offend hosts when declining food or sadness about missing out on things that usually bring joy can cause feelings of anxiety and isolation.
4 Tips for Maximizing Holiday Enjoyment
These four tips can help minimize social isolation and eating issues during the holidays. With some adjustments, people diagnosed with mesothelioma can still enjoy holiday gatherings at this time of year.
Taking care of yourself and focusing on the joy of being with our loved ones can help make gatherings more enjoyable. Happy Holidays!