IS THERE CONNECTION BETWEEN SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DISORDERED EATING?

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The link between PTSD and eating disorders has been explored by the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, who report that sexual assault can be a major risk factor for disordered eating. Sexual assault can affect survivors in many ways, including perceptions of the body, producing feelings of guilt, shame, rage, self-punishment or soothing.

Eating Problems Can Stem from Sexual Abuse

People with disordered eating who suffer from post-traumatic stress related to sexual abuse can experience depression, anxiety, nightmares, or feelings of hyper vigilance. This can sometimes translate into self-destructive behavior such as self-harm, entering into abusive relationships, or careless abuse of drugs and alcohol. Sexual abuse violates natural and healthy boundaries of the self so that control, emotional stability and security become a challenge.

Survivors can use food in an attempt control or compensate for emotions that seem overwhelming. However when PTSD and eating disorders comingle, the negative coping mechanism will only seem to hide the real problem temporarily. The good news is there is a way to heal and find a long term solution to managing these issues.

One of the most basic things someone who has experienced sexual assault and disordered eating can do to begin to change is to talk with a trustworthy and sympathetic source. Recounting the experience and the full force of emotions which go along with it will require a protected environment, where it’s possible to release the shame and rage, the pain and guilt.

While a close friend or family member can be a good place to start, finding a professional therapist or eating disorder treatment program will provide a structured and safe environment to begin to do the work of healing. PTSD and eating disorders are complex, so finding the right support is an important part of recovery from food addiction or other relative disorders, reclaiming your inner and sexual self.

Start the road to recovery with Alsana.

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