Finding Hope: Coping with Self-Harm and Eating Disorders

Self-harm can take several different forms such as cutting, burning, scratching, restricting food, and these alarming behaviors often mask a deeper emotional pain. Recovery from self-harm and eating disorders is an ongoing process, it’s not something that can be completely resolved with treatment alone.  

In this episode, Deena stresses that open communication and education are vital for support and understanding on the never-ending road of recovery. 

In this episode, you also hear:

• Complex reality of self-harm as a coping mechanism
• How new environments pose challenges to recovery   
• Understanding treatment is not a permanent fix  

 

Must-listen moments: 

[00:07:14] People or individuals can become trapped in such a vicious cycle of self-destruction that eventually you just don't—I'll speak for myself. I didn't think I was good enough…and so I was slowly killing myself and just taking anything, I could do to harm myself, whether that was not eating or whatever that form was.

[00:10:30] I think the obsession comes and that the behavior is repeated over and over and over again to get that same high. Just like with an alcoholic or a drug addict. You just keep hoping for that same relief that you had from the very first time. It is a form of punishment, an expression of self-hatred toward their own self.  

[00:13:54] You can go, and you can be in treatment and have all this help given to you. You have to work the program yourself, but it's not something that just goes away one day. 

 

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources. 

Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?

 

Podcast audio editing and show notes by  http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.