While not every behavior and mental illness can be explained by past trauma, a lot of it can. After all, our past experiences can shape us. When we go through trauma, much of the time, it sticks with us and triggers other behaviors or patterns down the road. It’s no different with binge eating disorder, where traumatic past experiences can significantly influence the onset and continuation of binge eating behaviors.
Below, we will explain the link between trauma and binge eating disorder.
5 Ways How Trauma And Binge Eating Are Linked
Emotional Regulation
Those who have gone through trauma usually have difficulty regulating their emotions in a healthy manner. They may struggle greatly from anxiety and/or depression. Food may be something that makes them happy or at least makes things a little better, like a bandaid coverup.
Not to mention, we’ve been taught in the media that food is equated with soothing negative emotions. Have you ever watched a chick flick where a female goes through a breakup and resorts to eating directly out of a tub of ice cream? This is one example of where we learn this behavior.
Self-Blame
Many of us live with shame or regret. We may wish we could have done things differently, even if what we went through wasn’t our fault. That said, we may use that guilt or regret to punish ourselves.
A common method of self-punishment is to binge eat. One may believe they are not worthy of having a healthy figure and that they don’t deserve to be in good health, hence the binge eating. With little care and respect for oneself, binge eating can quickly become a common and regular thing.
Avoidant Behavior
Avoidant behavior is a common response to trauma, and it can manifest in various ways, including using binge eating as a coping mechanism. When individuals have experienced trauma, they often find themselves trying to distance themselves from anything that reminds them of those painful experiences. Binge eating can serve as a temporary distraction, allowing them to escape their overwhelming emotions and thoughts.
In addition to the act of eating itself, avoidance can extend to the process of food preparation. Some individuals may find solace in the routine of cooking or eating, as it provides a momentary escape from their emotional turmoil. This avoidance behavior may create a false sense of control over their surroundings, which can be comforting in times of distress.
It’s essential to recognize that while avoidant behavior, including binge eating, can offer temporary relief, it does not address the underlying trauma or its long-term effects. Over time, this coping mechanism can lead to additional physical and psychological health challenges. Therefore, seeking professional support and therapy to address trauma-related issues is crucial for individuals struggling with avoidant behavior and binge eating as a result of past trauma.
Fear of Recurring Trauma
Interestingly enough, anxiety surrounding the traumatic event happening again can also be explained by many cases of binge eating disorder. There are many ways why this may be true.
For example, someone who dealt with sexual-related trauma may binge eat to intentionally create an “unattractive” figure with the hopes of preventing the trauma from happening again in the future.
Have you experienced trauma and suspect you may also have binge eating disorder? While only a professional can provide you with a diagnosis, taking this quiz for exploring potential BED can provide you with insight about binge eating disorder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to recognize that while past trauma can be a significant factor in some cases of binge eating disorder, it is not the sole determinant. Binge eating disorder is a complex condition influenced by various factors, including genetics, psychological factors, and environmental triggers.
Trauma may play a role for some individuals, but it’s not a universal cause. Understanding this multifaceted nature of the disorder is crucial in developing effective treatment and support strategies tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances and needs. It underscores the importance of a holistic approach to addressing binge eating disorder that considers the interplay of multiple factors in its onset and progression.
