Eating Disorders and Ritual Abuse

Healing from an eating disorder is often a lengthy process that involves overcoming the denial that exists (the survivor often feels that there isn’t really a problem, that friends and family members are worrying too much).

Therapy with someone who understands both the underlying trauma, and also working with a registered dietitian, can be invaluable. Learning how the survivor feels about food, and what has shaped those feelings, and how they feel about themselves, is part of the process.

If programming is driving the disorder, it is also important to look at how it was done, and why. Survivors have reported programming to “overeat to death” or to “starve to death” in many cases, especially if they try to leave the cult group.

Healing a distorted body image, and learning to love themselves in spite of their weight, and learning normal eating patterns can help. Traumatized child alters can be reassured that the survivor won’t allow them to go hungry, and planning meals to allow these parts a chance to choose favorite foods can help cut down on night time or amnesic binges. Each person is unique, and will have their own individual issues to deal with as they heal. In partnership with a qualified therapist, and with increased cooperation inside, healing is possible.

Resources: There are many excellent resources online for information about eating disorders. The following are just a few:

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness This site created by Johanna S. Kandel contains excellent articles and information about different types of eating disorders, with special sections for teens and parents. http://www.eatingdisorderinfo.org/

The Body Cage This site contains a highly personal look at eating disorders as well as links and information on diagnosis and treatment. http://www.bodycage.com/

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals This site has been created to provide support and information to professionals working in the field of eating disorders, and includes information on professional conferences. http://www.iaedp.com/

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders One of the oldest associations set up to help those with eating disorders, this site has a hotline for those in crisis, and a referral list and support groups for those seeking treatment. There is also a resource list at their site. http://www.anad.org/

The National Eating Disorders Information center This organization dedicated to helping those with eating disorders includes a glossary of terms related to eating disorders, information for support people, and recommended books. http://www.nedic.on.ca/

Something Fishy

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4 5