Exploring the Connection Between Grief and Eating Disorders
Eating disorders and grief can both be incredibly isolating experiences. Many people with eating disorders are afraid to ask for help because they don't want to admit that their eating disorder is a problem, while many people who have experienced a loss may feel shame about grieving in public. Both of these feelings can make it difficult to get the right kind of support when you're going through tough times. But as someone who has dealt with both grief and an eating disorder, I've found that there is an overlap between these two experiences that makes them uniquely suited to work together. Recovery from both grief and an eating disorder can be incredibly powerful; however, if your therapist doesn't understand how each one impacts the other—or worse yet, if your doctor prescribes antidepressants without considering whether you might also have an eating disorder—you could end up feeling even more isolated than before.
Many people who suffer from eating disorders also struggle with grief and loss.
Many people who suffer from eating disorders also struggle with grief and loss. Grief is a natural response to loss, defined as "the process of reacting to the death of someone close to you." It can be caused by many events, including:
The death of a loved one
A divorce or breakup
Losing your job or being fired from work (if you're employed)
Eating disorders are often triggered by grief; they may also be used as coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions that arise during this time. Additionally, there is some evidence that grief can trigger eating disorders in those who are vulnerable.
Grief can trigger or worsen an eating disorder.
Eating disorders can be a coping mechanism for grief. Grief can make you feel out of control, like your life has no meaning or purpose. It's a feeling that many people who have lost someone they loved will understand, and it can easily lead to an eating disorder if the person doesn't seek help.
Eating disorders are also often associated with body image issues--when someone feels like their body is not right or good enough because of how they look or what others think about them. These feelings may come from childhood trauma or abuse, but they can also come from grief as well: if you lost someone close to you in an unexpected way (such as suicide), it may be difficult for you to accept that that person is gone forever because there's no rational explanation for why this happened; instead, it just seems unfair and unjustified by any measure whatsoever."
Although it is common to experience changes in appetite when grieving, relying on food or weight as a coping mechanism can lead to an eating disorder. If you or someone you know may be using food or weight to cope with grief, watch out for these warning signs:
Rapid weight fluctuations
Loss of appetite leading to restricted calorie intake
Binge eating episodes
Purging behaviors such as vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise
Preoccupation with numbers related to weight, calorie counting, or clothing size
Avoiding social situations involving food
Experiencing the loss of a loved one can be a devastating experience that affects us both physically and emotionally. However, it's important to acknowledge that the capacity to love deeply also puts us at risk for experiencing profound loss and pain.
Recovery from grief can be a tremendous catalyst for recovery from an eating disorder.
Grief can be a trigger for an eating disorder.
Grief can be a factor in the development of an eating disorder.
Grief makes existing eating disorders worse, and it can be a factor in recovery from them as well.
Coping with grief
Dealing with grief is a challenging process, and when combined with an eating disorder, it can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help cope with grief and an eating disorder:
Seek professional help: Consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor who is experienced in treating both grief and eating disorders. They can provide you with the necessary support, tools, and strategies to manage your emotions and eating behaviors.
Practice self-compassion: Grief can bring up a lot of difficult emotions, and it's essential to practice self-compassion during this time. Be kind to yourself, and remember that it's okay to take time to grieve.
Keep a routine: Maintaining a routine can help you feel more grounded and stable during a time of upheaval. Try to stick to regular mealtimes, and engage in activities that bring you comfort and pleasure.
Find healthy coping mechanisms: Instead of turning to disordered eating behaviors, try to find healthy coping mechanisms. This can include talking to a friend or family member, journaling, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or engaging in a creative outlet.
Seek support: It's essential to have a support system in place during this time. Lean on friends and family who can offer emotional support, and consider joining a grief support group or online community.
Remember, dealing with grief and an eating disorder is a challenging process, but with the right support and tools, you can learn to cope and move forward in your recovery.
When to seek help
Knowing when to seek help is important, especially for those who are grieving. While disruptions or changes in eating are common after a loss, they should be short-lived. However, some individuals may develop disordered eating patterns and eating disorders as a way to cope with their grief.
Symptoms such as restrictive, compulsive, or binge eating can provide temporary relief and a sense of control. If you notice significant changes in your weight, feel out of control with food, become rigid about meals and exercise, focus excessively on weight, shape, or body image, or experience symptoms like binging or purging, it may be time to seek help.
Seeking help from professionals who specialise in the treatment of eating disorders such as myself, an eating disorder recovery coach, psychotherapists, nutritionists, psychiatrists, and medical doctors can be beneficial. IAEDP (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals) and NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) are great resources for finding professionals and information on eating disorders and grief. While grief can disrupt eating patterns, proper nutrition is essential for the healing process. If you find that eating has become unmanageable, don't hesitate to ask for help. Remember, you are not alone.
It's important to have the right help in place before you try to recover from an eating disorder that has been triggered by grief. This can be a very difficult time, and you need to know where to go for help.
Conclusion
If you or someone you love is struggling with grief and eating disorders, it's important to get help as soon as possible. There are many resources available, including online support groups and counsellors who specialize in working with people who have both issues. If you don't know where to start looking for these resources, reach out for help! It may seem like a daunting task when faced with both grief and an eating disorder recovery at once, but there are people out there who can help guide us through this difficult time in our lives so that we may emerge stronger than ever before.
Next Steps
I hope you found this article helpful. If you believe now is the time to embark on your recovery journey with the support of a specialised eating disorder recovery coach like myself at Flourish with Ciandra, I welcome the opportunity to hear from you. You can learn more about my 1:1 eating disorder recovery programme and get in touch here.
