Numerous social, economic, emotional and psychological factors play a role in our behavior towards food and overeating. Some people, following a traumatic event, experience changes in chemicals in the brain that affect their psychological state and increase their desire to eat. While others may resort to eating as a coping mechanism to face their fears and psychological problems, in addition to the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression that would also lead the person to overeat.
Our behaviors are affected by the psychological state in which we live, as they reflect what is inside, and this explains some behaviors that are farther than they are outwardly and carry a deeper meaning and psychological dimension. How did the earthquake affect our dealings with food? And why do some resort to overeating following this devastating earthquake?
Mindsome founder and psychotherapist Darine Ammash explains, “Overeating or cravings are the result of a person’s life-death experience, and some people have an uncontrollable craving for food or an appetite. This can be interpreted as a result of the survival instinct or the strong motive of the love of life, as the love of life, in its symbolism, pushes us to eat more food, as if it is an attachment to life through food or sex.
About 80 percent of the study sample reported having experienced some form of trauma, and 66 percent reported having at least one symptom of PTSD. And 8 percent reported wanting to binge eat. Significant was the increase in binge eating with the increase in the number of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, especially among women (6-7 symptoms). They are more likely to eat binge than women who do not suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ammash points out that “the symptoms of PTSD were associated with binge eating when the symptoms appeared at an early age. However, the association between PTSD and food addiction did not differ according to the type of trauma. Therefore, strategies to reduce and reduce obesity associated with PTSD are required.” Psychological and behavioral follow-up to deal with food in a different way and not to be dependent on it to adapt and cope with stress.
It is important to know that when we are exposed to psychological trauma, depression, or we face any negative effects following a natural disaster, some chemicals in the brain affect our psychological state, and we may experience some physical changes as a result of these transformations that make us crave or need to eat certain foods, and it returns It is due to hormonal and chemical changes.
Premenstrual symptoms are the biggest evidence of hormonal changes, and the results indicate that ghrelin, the hunger hormone, contributes to increased food desires and eating behaviours.
On a psychological and social level, emotional eating manifests itself in some emotionally charged situations such as the death of a loved one. Accordingly, Ammash believes that “there are some people who resort to food as a preventive strategy to deal with their psychological fears. Likewise, the desire to eat following a natural disaster has a psychological cause as well, because people need to feel alive and their desire to live increases their hunger and encourages them to eat more.” This desire is often the result of a specific and severe reaction to food.
Eventually, most people will recover from the crisis and return to their previous level of functioning, while some will suffer from psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, which can appear immediately or later.
Ammash is enumerated The most common reactions in adults following a disaster:
* Sleep disturbances or difficulty sleeping.
Sadness, depression, hyperactivity and anger.
* Feeling numb.
Fatigue, lack of activity and energy.
* Lack of appetite or eating constantly.
Difficulty concentrating or feeling disoriented.
* Social isolation or restricted activities.
* Headache, stomach pain and body aches.
* Misuse of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
What steps help adults following a disaster?
Eat and stay hydrated, exercise and get some rest. Taking care of the body reduces the negative effects of stress.
Avoid using alcohol, tobacco or medication to control painful feelings, as these substances make things more difficult and may cause problems in the long run.
Find healthy ways to relax, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and soft music.
Engage in fun activities including exercises, hobbies and social activities.
Limit following the news on television or on social media regarding the disaster, because exposure increases stress.
Keep in touch with family, friends and neighbors for support. Helping each other helps healing.
Remind yourself that it is normal to have many feelings, and that you will have good days and bad days as a normal part of your recovery.
Seek help from a health care professional if stress persists for several weeks or if you are having difficulty at work or home, or are thinking regarding harming yourself or someone else.
Ultimately, research indicates a complex connection between love of food and trauma. Traumatic experiences may affect some people through a change in hormones and chemicals in the brain that alter their food cravings, often leading them to use food as a coping mechanism.
And it can sometimes lead to something like food addiction, especially in people who suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
