The Struggles We Can’t See: Grief and Eating Disorders

The sudden loss of a loved one creates a vast chasm of grief that can feel insurmountable. When Deena’s brother died of cancer, the pressure to return to normalcy without addressing the grief she was experiencing sparked her battle with a life-altering eating disorder.    

In this episode, Deena and Brian uncover the complex relationship and similarities between grief and eating disorders, and highlight the ever-present need for support and compassion.  

In this episode, you also hear: 

• Consequences of unprocessed grief  
• Finding courage to confront your pain  
• Recognizing different forms of loss  

Must-listen moments:  

[00:07:17] Instead of processing the emotions and grief that I was feeling, I began to engage in unhealthy behaviors to avoid the pain and anger, and I began to turn the pain inward and I started taking it out on myself. 

[00:11:50] Grieving doesn't really have an ending. It's a process, it's a journey, just like recovery is. It's not linear. 

[00:14:06] It's important to get to know what your feelings are and what you're going through and be able to identify those things, because if you can, I think you can try and resolve some of the situations. 

 

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 35 members! Will you be next? 

Podcast audio management and show notes by Podcast Abundance.