is there a connection between cutting and eating disorders?

Question

i haven't cut myself in a few days, but now i've started thinking all the time about losing weight, even though i know that by bmi or whatever i'm actually underweight, and i haven't been starving myself exactly, but i skipped lunch today and it made me feel really good about myself, and i ate a lot for dinner so i got enough calories still that i'm not starving myself or anything, but idk, it still kind of worries me a little.

Answer 1

Cutting and eating disorders are both forms of self harm. While the methods are different, the underlying causes are often the same. I've met quite a few people who have struggled with both eating disorders and self injury either simultaneously, or kind of alternating with each other, and many of them do describe them as related, even to the point where some people feel like the started one to deal with the other, or replaced one with the other. It's not all together uncommon for people to try to give up one form of self harm, and end up replacing it with another.

If you've been cutting yourself, you've likely already noticed how hard it is to stop once you start. Eating disorders are the same. I'd recommend you seek professional help before you get to that point, especially since eating disorders can cause serious damage to your internal organs, and can even kill you.

Answer 2

Yes, there is a connection between cutting and eating disorders. I think part of it has to do with the intentional harm of your own body, but there also pyschological reasons the two are connected. I'm sorry, I don't know for sure, but it could have something to do that they are both compulsions for the people. I should tell you, when you don't eat for a while your body goes into starvation mode, which makes your body more effiecient when it does get some food, so by skipping a meal and then eating a large dinner could actually be causing you to gain weight, not lose it. Not saying that you should just keep skipping, but rather you should eat all your meals, and if you are overweight for your age and body type (you need to check with your doctor to know for sure) then you should excercise regulary but not obsessively. If you are worried that you might start getting into anorexia or bulimia then need to see someone professional immediately. Eating disorders are one of the hardest habits to break, it is one of the hardest things for a psychologist to help their patient out with. So, if you start getting into it you are going to be getting yourself into a dangerous cycle that will not turn out good for you. So please, see someone and try to get help, the best way to help with anything is to prevent it in the first place. Also, you might be interested in www.recoveryourlife.com . It is a site that contains a forum and a chat, it mainly focuses on cutting but there is a wealth of information on eating disorders as well as far as I know. The members are cutters and anorexics/bulimic, things like that, so you can find a very helpful support system there that you might want. This site doens't glorify the behavior though, such as they don't say things or allow others on their site to say things like "Cutting is so cool" "Suicide is so fun" "Man, just go kill yourself" or things like that. It trys to help those struggling with these issues. Also, there a articles and such about cutting and eating disorders and very helpful information. Also, if you are cutting and you are considering getting into an eating disorder you need to tell someone, like a family member or a friend that you can trust. On the site I mentioned there is a letter that is designed so you can print it up and give it to your parents before you go to school or whatever, so that they get a chance to read it and get whats going on, and it allows you to get all the info and how you are feeling and stuff out. I would suggest using it as a template to write your own letter to your parents, or even to friends or whatever. It is a much easier way than telling someone face to face what is going on. Now, I've never had an eating disorder but I currently suffer from depression and cutting, so if you want to talk or vent or something you can emial me or reach me with IM. YIM is [e-mail], MSN is [e-mail] and AIM is [e-mail]. Feel free to call me up if you want to talk or whatever. Whatever happens, I wish you the best of luck. Keep strong!
-Sarah

Answer 3

Schizophrenia has NOTHING to do with what USED to be called Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). Now it's called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). DID is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can range from really mild stuff to really severe problems. The classic example of disassociation is when you're driving and just lose track of things and find yourself at home or another familiar destination with no memory of having driven yourself there. You did it on autopilot. The most severe form of DID is what used to be called MPD, where someone goes through such severe trauma - usually at a really young age - that the only way the mind can deal with it at all is by dissociating into different personas, or "splitting." Sometimes, for instance, one persona only comes out during abuse, or if the person is actively threatened. Some people might just have one hidden persona, perhaps the "child" self who experienced the abuse and remembers it, while others supposed have many different "people" who might be of either gender and many different ages. I've even heard of people who claim that some of their "alters" aren't human at all. It's important to realize that these personas are NOT full personalities, beings, or "souls" - they aren't PEOPLE. There's one PERSON there, although they might FEEL like there are multiple personalities inside them. There's still a lot of controversy about DID. Nobody denies the fact that people disassociate. The controversy is about whether or not multiple personalities truly exist - the most severe form of DID - or whether those who think they have them have had that suggested to them, either by things they've heard or read, or by therapists. While I'm not a professional, it is my understanding that MOST behavioral health professionals who work with child abuse survivors are very much convinced that DID/MPD is absolutely real, and don't waste their time talking to the doubters. As for how DID is connected with other disorders or conditions, I read within the last few years that severe DID is considered to be an extreme form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which in itself is an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are often accompanied by depression. People who have PTSD, can develop obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors (OCD is another anxiety disorder). Some people who have been severely abused engage in self-harming behaviors, and substance abuse or other addictions are also commonly comorbid.

Answer 4

Hi Showdow,
Yes there is a connection between cutting and having an eating disorder. Not all people do both. I did. I am 5'4, i had a tramic situation that made me want to end my life, but i could not just take it out right because I have children. I decided to starve myself slowly, hoping no one would see. I got down to 87 pounds and was hospitalized. This happened 3 times and it was a psyc unit. My body had eaten all the fat i had & was starting on my organs. When they took x-rays my heart was 1/3rd of it's orginial size. I was cutting on myself and was not feeling any pain. I had shut myself down. I am normaly 110 to 115 which is good for me. I have gained my weight back & quit cutting, but it took alot of hard work & counseling. I still look in the mirror and see this big fat person. Everyone tells me I finally look healthy and not like a skeleton. I feel better, and I'm still hard on myself but I decided I did want to live, and the only person that could do this was me. So I am doing this for me. I still see a big fat person & I know anorexia never goes away, it's a life long battle. It will be one of the hardest things you have done or will have to deal with the rest of your life (if you let it get that far) than you can possibly imagian. I'm asking you please as someone that has went through this over & over, to PLEASE think about (yourself) 1st then the ones you love. Help is only a phone call away, and it's totally worth it. I can only show you the way and give you advice, but there is help! I did & if I can do it anyone can. I hope this has helped you because I'd hate for you to die for no reason at all. YOU CAN DO IT, I feel that in my heart. I speak to alot of people going though this same thing. Asking for help on here is the 1st step, now take the second step & get professinal help, make that call. I WANT YOU TO LIVE & NOT LOOSE ANY MORE WEIGHT. You need to eat & be heathly. Call the crisis line or call mental health, it's hard but well worth it. I made that call & it helped me, but I know this is something I will be fighting all my life. Please for the people that love you, and for yourself, YOU NEED TO LOVE YOURSELF and DO IT FOR YOU! That is the most important thing, DO IT FOR YOU. Don't waste a precious life, you may end up helping others help themselves. It's called being very afraid,not giving a damn right now,and thinking your something your not. GET STRONG, GET HELP, you've taken the 1st step, now keep on stepping. I hope you will get ahold of me. Keep Going, but go in the right direction.
You'll be in my prayers.......Sincerly, anorexiclady

Answer 5

There is really no connection with the two, however, they both affect you physically and mentally. As you know, they are both self-harming and can become a habit hard to break. You obviously, must have problems feeling secure and satisfied with yourself. I would advise not to start skipping meals, because it will gradually become worse. I've seen my fair share of people trying to overcome eating disorders, and I assure you, it's not a pretty sight. It affects you in more ways you can imagine and eventually takes over your life.

As for the cutting, it's a way to relieve yourself and a way of coping with things. There are better solutions out there, take this from a girl who has uncountable scars. You can become dependant on this as well. Basically, both are ways you feel in control.

Answer 6

I think that you are transferring what is an emotional pain into something that you can deal with, the physical. I did this for years when I was younger. I also toyed with suicide and very nearly killed myself.
Praise God that I'm alive to type this answer. Life can be tough exspecialy if you have abusive family members that you cannot control. Be strong and hang in there. Turn your life to Christ and ask him for help. There are people out there to help you wether your having abuse problems or just depression. Not eating then eating extra is called binge eating and it lowers your metabolism later in life this might cause you to gain weight.
Although life may seem pretty dismal right now, you can make them better. Take action instead of hurting yourself or others who love you by trying to hurt yourself. Look in any phone book and you will find free numbers that you can call for help.
I am happy with myself now, a wife and mother of seven, ( not saying you need that many kids. LOL), just that you can overcome any situation your in. I still think it's easier with Christ to lead the way.

Answer 7

could be, but i really do not think that there is most of the time. But you know that you are underweight right now, and you really do not need to have that disorder, it will shrink your organs, which will not go back to normal size, and even worse then that. Cutting is not the answer, neither, you really need to find some healthier coping skills that can make you feel good about yourself. So you can do that through therapy.

Answer 8

with many people there is. in both cases it is a way to cope with pain and emotions when you dont know any other way. i am an ex cutter and have struggled with bulimia for six years. and as for the eating disorder part i never think of it as a way to lose weight like many girls do today. for me it is an escape a way to avoid reality. it makes me angry to see people act as if this is a lifestyle or choice. it isn't...it is a serious as cancer and kills just like it to. i've been throught treatment and this still controls every aspect of my life. my advice to you is to talk with a professional before this consumes your life completely

Answer 9

Self-abuse such as cutting or burning oneself and eating disorders are both common in people with Borderline Personality Disorder. If you also have frequent mood swings, impulsivity, difficulty in relationships and frequently viewing things as black or white, all good or all bad then you may have BPD. You should talk to your doctor about this.

Answer 10

Both are self harming.

I do the same thing....I skip lunches, only because I take adderall for my adhd, and it decreases my appetite so much, that I am rarely ever hungry. My weight is the 25th percentile.