Eating Disorders and Sexual Trauma
Disordered Eating as a Maladaptive Means to Survive Sexual Assault
Jul 22, 2009
Surviving sexual trauma, for some, can lead to the development of an eating disorder. It is the psyche's method of blocking out layered psychological, emotional and physical pain. This holds true for men and women who have been victims of a sexual assault or multiple sexual assaults, either as adults or as children.
What is a Sexual Assault?
Anyone, adults or children who are forced to engage in sexual acts against their own wills, sometimes under the threat of further harm, are the victims of sexual assault. This is a basic definition.
Consequences of Sexual Violation
The development of an eating disorder is only one possibility others include:
- Panic attacks;
- Hyper sensitivity/vigilance;
- Cutting; and
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The Relationship Between Eating Disorders and Sexual Assault
The development of an eating disorder in a victim of sexual assault is a maladaptive means of coping with the trauma. Basically, the eating disorder, whether it be bulimia or anorexia, acts as a diversion from the horrific memories encompassing the psychological, emotional, spiritual and physical realms. Not all victims of sexual assaults develop eating disorders.
Since the focus shifts from the traumatic event to disordered eating, the wounds from the trauma are masked but not healed. There is no set rule as to who will develop an eating disorder as a result of sexual trauma or which eating disorder will present itself.
Loss of Control
Since a sexual attack means a complete loss of control for the victim, controlling the intake or withholding of food is an attempt to regain the control relinquished during the attack. Food or the lack of it becomes the means through which emotions are comforted or repressed. Reliving the emotions and memories of the trauma are excruciating, thus, food becomes a means of squelching them.
Relationships and Food
A sexual assault is a severe, heinous breach of trust and faith for the victim. Developing an eating disorder can be a means by which the victim seeks to protect herself/himself from another attack by becoming unattractive. This may or may not be on the conscious level of the victim. Vomiting can become a means to express the revulsion and repressed emotions from the assault as well.
Getting Help, Seeking to Recover and Heal
It is possible to recover and heal from sexual assault(s). Seeking the help of a trained, licensed professional is the beginning of healing whether the issue consists of sexual trauma or eating disorders or both.
Though the eating disorder helps the victim to survive, it is important to understand that the eating disorder does not help the victim of sexual trauma to heal, but keeps the trauma present and active either on the conscious or subconscious level.
"Their eating disorder is a way of dealing with all of the feelings— rage, anger, secrecy, fear, betrayal, powerlessness and many others. An eating disorder is a feeling disorder because it helps you handle your feelings."
Note to the reader:
If any information contained within this article is cause for concern, please consult with a trained, licensed professional. Please do not attempt to pursue self-therapy. Since sexual trauma often consists of repressed memories and emotions, self-help books without the aid of a trained, licensed professional could result in further emotional and psychological, if not physical pain and trauma.
Additionally, if a sexual assault occurred while in the U.S. military, with the subsequent development of an eating disorder, there is help available at the Veterans' Centers. No one has to suffer. Take back the power!
Related Articles:
Eating Disorders and Workplace Relationships
Serenity and Eating Disorder Recovery
Eating Disorders, Fiction vs. Fact
Sources
Wordnetweb.princeton.edu
Web4health.info
 |
