I self-harm (cut), however, when i go through periods of not cutting i tend to eat very little even though i am very hungry. It makes me feel better - just as the cutting does. Like i have control of at least something. Are the 2 related? I seem to swop one for the other.
2007-02-01 08:55:23 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
YES, there is a very distinct link between self-harm and eating disorders.
First, some important information taken directly from the book A Bright Red Scream by Marilee Strong:
"Numerous studies have found from 35 to 80 percent of cutters also suffer from eating disorders. Half of the 240 self-injurers Armando Favazza and Karen Conterio surveyed were also, currently or in the past, anorexic or bulimic. About 80 percent of the cutters interviewed for *this book* had significant problems with food as well, either restricting, purging, or overeating. Many are morbidly overweight, by a hundred pounds or more. Any many who aren't overweight at all are convinced that they are. Self-injury is particularly prevalent among bulimics, with rates between 25 and 75 percent reported in various studies."
So, yeah...to put that in a nutshell, there is a connection. At least according to the books I've been reading.
And if that's not good enough, I can certainly attest to the fact that you're not alone. Because, while I'm nowhere near anorexic, I have a history of overeating (and sometimes purging), when I don't feel I can cut myself. I go from one to the other as well. I'd love to get both under control, but that's 2 problems, not just one.
2007-02-01 10:32:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do exactly the same thing. Are you concerned about your weight a lot or do you just kind of starve yourself for other reasons? I think that when the cutting is taken away if there isnt something else there to fall back on then the person would propbably try to find another way to harm themselves (whether it is consious or not). That is probably the reason why we do that. I don't know what it is like for you but i know for me i only become concerned about the weight part of it after i start losing a few pounds. I never start out trying to lose weight or anything. That suggests then that maybe control is another issue. Cutting is something that you have control over and starving yourself is also something that you have control over. It does seem though that eating disorders and self harm are closely related for the reasons i mentioned and probably a bunch of others as well.
2007-02-01 10:36:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a person let's go of a bad habit or lifestyle, they often try to replace it. Sometimes it's replaced with socially accepted things, but other times its replaced with other things that aren't actually good for them. Most likely they are linked. If you are just starting to recover, you're still really vulnerable when it comes to self harm, or not eating or any unaccepted behavior. Try to focus more on your treatment and anorexia and new ways to cope with depression (I'm going to guess that's the core issue).
2016-05-24 02:57:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its all based around control. As long as you can control something it makes you feel better. Also cutting or other forms of self harm can make a person feel good. Its the feeling of punishment and guilt that you want to feel.
You shouldn't go through it alone. If you ever want to talk about this - message me.
2007-02-01 09:46:42 · answer #4 · answered by linkysplinx 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes there is. My daughter was a self harmer and had issues with food. She used to be anorexic and bullemic. It certainly is a way of feeling in control but you can get through this and come out the other side. Seek help, stay safe and good luck x
2007-02-01 09:16:25 · answer #5 · answered by evieivyovy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anorexia is just another form of self-harm.
So this is a control issue? Or do you have really low self esteem? Maybe both. There are things you CAN control in your life. There are other things you can't. You have to separate the two and handle it MUCH better than you are. You need help, my dear. Professional help.....before you die.
2007-02-01 08:58:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. Anorexia is a type of self harm. It is turning your anger and desperation inside and hurting yourself. You know you are doing yourself damage but it is something you can control rather than have others do it to you.
A lot of self harmers have been wronged and instead of lashing out they turn it inwards.
Do you have someone you can talk to?
2007-02-01 09:00:20 · answer #7 · answered by jupiter 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
they are both about control. if there is a percieved lack of control in the sufferers life they will seek control elsewhere ie limiting their intake of food. if they are in emotional pain (which they probably are if they have an eating disorder) they may self harm as a way of being in control of their pain. it is easier to deal with it if they have inflicted it themselves.
if you need more help try www.recoveryourlife.com
however i would recommend seeing a gp too
2007-02-01 23:14:23 · answer #8 · answered by gemma_louise82 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes there is..many people whao are pro ana or mia feel that they must do this in orfder to be thin,,to be perfect..and that they arent worthy enouhg...their self esteem is completely shot to sh1t. now..because of this low esteem, they cut and harm themselves. please..for your sake ... get help. you dont even have to go to a doctor,,just talk to your guidence counselor .. they can help you stop hurting yourself. and the reason cuttingmakes you feel better, is because cutting releases endorphins and norepinephrin, which are "feel good hormones" found in antidepressants and chocolate. try to find other things to occupy your time.. youre ana, so you dont want to gain weight, but if youre extreme ana, then you need to gain weight. maybe not eating chocolate, but hang out with friends who care about you ..and try coloring a picture or singing or whatever makes you happy other than hurting yourself. if you are hungry, eat... eating doesnt make you fat. overeating and eating poorly make you fat. eat fruit and vegetables...and dont drink soda or et vending machine food. there are mant things in the world that can make you happy without hurting yourself or forcing weight gain.
2007-02-01 09:17:16 · answer #9 · answered by lil miss agony 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely. Look in the yellow pages for a counsellor and go see one for a chat - it feels like a big scary thing to do but it will help you so much in the long run. i'm apeaking from personal experience. good luck honey x
2007-02-01 09:11:01 · answer #10 · answered by janny77 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋