For people who have suffered trauma, their eating disorder shows as a symptom of that unresolved trauma, in the same way as others may develop an addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling.
There have been several studies done to demonstrate a link between individuals who have had traumatic experiences who later develop eating disorders, and its believed as many as 30% of individuals with an eating disorder may have been sexually abused. If you have suffered from trauma, its possible that you may engage in eating disorder behaviours to manage difficult emotions arising from the trauma, and if that trauma is due to sexual abuse then this will also have a negative impact on body image. Many survivors of childhood sexual trauma experience body shame and use eating disorder behaviours such as starvation, purging or binge eating as a way to destroy the body.
If you did suffer this type childhood trauma you find the following resonate with you .
A desire for Control:
Sexual abuse strips away your sense of control over your own body in the most appalling way. Because of this you may control food intake and body weight in an attempt to regain a sense of control and power, even if that is destructive in the long term.
Body Image Distortion and Disassociation:
Abuse can lead to a deep sense of shame, disgust, or alienation from your body. You may find you use behaviours such as starving your body to punish it, make it smaller and to make it something you perceive as less “sexual” or desirable, in an attempt to protect yourself from further harm.
Emotional Numbing:
Intense hunger and physical discomfort associated with anorexia and starving your body can be a powerful distraction from the overwhelming emotional pain of trauma. Focusing on food rules and weight can temporarily numb feelings of anger, fear, sadness, and shame that are too difficult to confront directly.
Self-Punishment:
For some survivors, anorexia can be a form of self punishment, if they were made to believe they were somehow responsible for their abuse.
Identity and Self-Worth:
Sexual abuse can shatter your self-worth and identity. Anorexia can become a way to establish an identity or to feel “special” or “good” at something, even if it’s harming you.
Tackling the trauma, in a compassionate supportive space can be so beneficial in helping you to recover from the destructive coping mechanisms you’re eating disorder has given to you. If you believe that you are now stuck in a place where you want to free yourself of your eating disorder, but need loving support to do so, please reach out to me here.
