Understanding trauma and eating disorders

Understanding Trauma and Eating Disorders-by Luna Sulollari

Traumatic experiences, whether singular or ongoing events, can have lasting effects on one’s mental health. A stressful physical or emotional event can significantly impact how we interact with and view the world, as well as ourselves. This can increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as eating disorders.

Studies have shown that individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely to engage in eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa. Up to 50 percent of people with eating disorders also meet the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding the interconnectedness between trauma and eating disorders can provide clarity to the complex emotional and psychological struggles beneath the surface.

Eating disorders are often linked to the experience of trauma. Many individuals who have suffered some form of trauma may engage in disordered eating as a means of escaping related emotions or reducing awareness of what they might have experienced. Disordered eating behaviors can develop as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions that surface and can give individuals a sense of control.

As trauma changes the way we relate to our bodies, behaviors such as avoiding meals, extreme overeating, purging, or vomiting after meals can emerge as ways to avoid or cope with difficult feelings. The intrusive thoughts, memories, and even nightmares can become extremely burdensome, leaving people feeling hopeless as they search for relief. Disordered eating can be a temporary way to manage these symptoms that cause overwhelming feelings of shame and guilt. The distress created by trauma can increase one’s vulnerabilities. In turn, disordered eating becomes a distraction from the distress, providing short-term relief.

Every individual's journey through an eating disorder is unique, shaped by personal experiences and circumstances. This underscores the importance of seeking treatment from professionals who recognize the individuality of each person's healing process. By adopting a trauma-informed approach to eating disorder treatment, one can address past traumas and develop strategies to manage disordered eating behaviors effectively. Understanding the underlying causes behind these behaviors is pivotal in guiding individuals toward a path of recovery and a more fulfilling life.