Last Updated:
February 24th, 2025
Self-harm is often associated with physical acts of hurting oneself, such as cutting or burning, but it can take many forms—some of which are less obvious but just as damaging. One such form is the development and maintenance of an eating disorder. While eating disorders are commonly understood as mental health conditions related to body image and control, they also function as a deeply ingrained method of self-punishment, mirroring the destructive cycle of self-harm.
Understanding Self-harm and Its Purpose
Self-harm is typically defined as the deliberate infliction of injury or pain on oneself as a means of coping with emotional distress. People who self-harm often describe feeling overwhelmed by emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, or shame, and they use self-inflicted pain as a way to relieve these feelings temporarily. It can also serve as a way to feel something when numbness takes over or to regain a sense of control in an unpredictable world.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, function in a similar way. They provide individuals with a mechanism to process emotions and exert control over their lives, even when that control comes at the expense of their physical and mental well-being.
Eating Disorders as a Form of Self-Punishment
One of the core aspects of self-harm is self-punishment, and eating disorders often arise from the same psychological foundation. Individuals struggling with an eating disorder may feel deep-seated guilt, shame, or a sense of unworthiness, leading them to engage in behaviours that inflict harm upon themselves.
- Restriction and Starvation (Anorexia Nervosa)
People with anorexia may deprive themselves of food to the point of severe malnutrition. This can be a way to punish themselves for perceived flaws or past mistakes. The act of withholding nourishment becomes a form of self-inflicted suffering, reinforcing negative beliefs about their worth.
- Bingeing and Purging (Bulimia Nervosa)
The cycle of binge eating and purging in bulimia involves consuming large quantities of food, followed by forced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives. This cycle can serve as both a temporary escape and an immediate punishment, as individuals often experience deep shame after a binge, leading them to purge as a form of self-inflicted retribution.
- Compulsive Overeating (Binge-Eating Disorder)
While binge-eating disorder does not include purging, it can still serve as a form of self-harm. Many who struggle with binge eating describe feeling out of control during their episodes, using food as a means of self-soothing and then experiencing profound shame and guilt afterwards. This perpetuates a cycle of emotional distress and self-punishment.
Control, Pain, and Emotional Numbing
Much like traditional forms of self-harm, eating disorders provide individuals with a sense of control. When the world feels chaotic, being able to regulate food intake—whether through restriction, bingeing, or purging—offers a semblance of order.
Additionally, the physical pain associated with eating disorders—whether it be hunger pangs, stomach cramps, or fatigue—can serve the same purpose as cutting or burning: creating a tangible focus for emotional pain. When emotional suffering feels too overwhelming, physical suffering can act as a distraction or a means to externalise inner turmoil.
For some, eating disorders also result in a feeling of emotional numbness. The deprivation caused by starvation can lead to a state of detachment, where feelings become dulled. Similarly, the rush of binge eating followed by purging can momentarily erase difficult emotions, much like the temporary relief self-harm can provide.
Shame, Secrecy, and the Cycle of Destruction
Another common feature of both self-harm and eating disorders is secrecy. Many people struggling with these behaviours go to great lengths to hide them from friends and family. The shame associated with these actions can deepen isolation, making it even harder to seek help.
This secrecy fuels a destructive cycle. The more one engages in harmful behaviours, the more guilt and shame one feels, which in turn reinforces the need to continue the behaviours as a way of coping. Breaking free from this cycle requires a deep understanding of the underlying emotional pain driving the behaviours in the first place.
The Psychological Link Between Eating Disorders and Self-Harm
Research suggests a strong connection between eating disorders and self-harm. Studies indicate that individuals with eating disorders are significantly more likely to engage in other forms of self-harm compared to the general population. Both behaviours are associated with conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, and low self-esteem.
In some cases, eating disorders and self-harm co-exist as part of a broader pattern of self-destructive behaviour. Those who feel an intense sense of self-loathing may alternate between different forms of harm, switching from food-related self-punishment to physical self-injury, depending on what feels most accessible or effective at the moment.
Healing from an Eating Disorder and Self-Harm
Recovery from an eating disorder, much like recovery from self-harm, requires addressing the emotional wounds that drive the behaviour. Here are some key steps in the healing process:
- Recognising the Purpose of the Behaviour
- Understanding that an eating disorder functions as a form of self-harm is crucial. Once individuals recognise that their behaviours are not just about food or weight but are deeply tied to emotions, they can begin to work on healthier coping mechanisms.
- Seeking Professional Help
- Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), can be highly effective in treating both eating disorders and self-harm. These therapies help individuals identify harmful thought patterns, develop emotional regulation skills, and cultivate self-compassion.
- Building Healthy Coping Mechanisms
- Replacing harmful behaviours with healthier alternatives is key to recovery. Engaging in creative outlets, practising mindfulness, and developing self-care routines can help manage emotions without resorting to self-destructive habits.
- Addressing Trauma and Emotional Pain
- Many people who struggle with eating disorders and self-harm have underlying trauma that needs to be addressed. Trauma-focused therapy can be instrumental in healing past wounds and reducing the need for self-punishment.
- Creating a Support System
- Isolation fuels eating disorders and self-harm. Building a strong support system, whether through trusted friends, family, support groups, or professional treatment, can make a significant difference in recovery.
Getting the right help
Eating disorders are not just about food, weight, or appearance—they are deeply rooted in emotional distress and often function as a form of self-harm. The connection between these two destructive behaviors lies in the shared intent of self-punishment, control, and coping with emotional pain.
Recovery is possible, but it requires acknowledging the role these behaviours play, seeking help, and developing healthier ways to process difficult emotions. If you or someone you love is struggling, know that there is hope. Healing is not about achieving perfection but about learning to treat oneself with kindness and compassion. Contact us at Banbury Lodge today, where you can find specialised treatment for eating disorders.
