There is an abundance of evidence that there is a relationship between eating disorders and trauma. Therapists and practitioners notice a link in their work with clients. Research also has been able to demonstrate strong links between eating disorders and trauma. It has been suggested that more severe or intense trauma may even lead to more severe eating disorder symptoms.
Why the link between eating disorders and trauma?
When trying understand eating disorders, it is important to remember that they are a set of behaviors that develop to help us in some way. As destructive and dangerous as they can be, they are also genuine attempts to feel better, safer, more in control.
Trauma is something that sends the nervous system into overload. The body is saying ‘this is too much for me to handle’. The body reacts in ways that are not comfortable to live with, like anxiety, sleeping problems, dissociation, flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. We may not realize the behaviors arising are a way to deal with overwhelming feelings. Food or body fixations might just seem to come to us from nowhere. Making the link between trauma and eating disorders difficult to see in the moment.
Eating disorders and Trauma Symptoms
At first glance it might seem that eating disorders are about trying to change the body. Eating disorders might include having a difficult relationship with food. We might eating too much or too little. We can be focused on having too much control or not enough control.
Eating behaviors have an impact on the function of the nervous system. So they have the power to alter how we feel. A full stomach can switch off overactive threat centers of our body. Starvation can also create a ‘high’, a buzz of energy from the stress of restricting food intake.
Eating habits also provide distraction. They can numb other feelings and mask emotional states.
Healing from Eating Disorders and Trauma
As overwhelming as all this seems, if you notice these issues, you are already on the way to healing. The process starts with recognizing attitudes about body and food that are unhelpful. A guide here might be to think about how much time you spend thinking, worrying about food. It should not take up the majority of your time. If it does, take step back and consider where you are stuck. Do you have safe foods? Are you constantly thinking about appearance or weight?
It may not seem obvious how trauma is at work, so simply begin to affirm that fact that trauma is difficult to manage. Not all overwhelming events will create trauma. But if you feel out of control in at least one area of your life and you have experienced an overwhelming event, chances are these have a connection.
Help for Trauma and Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can be dangerous and potentially deadly. So, if you identify with any of these, reach out for help. It can feel overwhelming to begin to focus on the problem, and finding solutions can feel impossible; however, you are not alone. If you need help, talk to a supportive friend or doctor, or find a therapist. Start a journal of the ways trauma had affected you and how food helps or hinders your healing. Therapy offers a place to deal with the emotional issues that drive these problems. Working with a therapist can help you find confidence in your ability to cope and have a healthy relationship with food.
More information on eating disorders can found here:
Eating Disorder and Trauma Therapy in Katy, TX
If you are ready to take control of your eating disorder and heal your trauma, you can reach out to me on my contact page.
