Trauma & the Inability to eat: is this normal?
Dear clients,
Trauma refers to any negative situation that overwhelms a person's ability to cope with what has happened. Trauma is a subjective concept which means that each person will understand and experience it in different ways. A situation that I may deem as deeply traumatic, may not even be considered as a problem for someone else.
Different people have different reactions to trauma and it is completely NORMAL for some people to have trouble eating or keeping their food in after experiencing a traumatic event. This can happen as a result of any traumatic event, however, it is common in situations where someone witnessed blood.
This is something that should go away on its own in a couple of weeks, however if this does not improve within a month, please bring it under the attention of your counselor.
Some food tips that can help:
- If you struggle to eat meat, consider eating something like fish, pap, rice, fruits or vegetables. Since these foods look and smell different from raw meat, they will likely not serve as a trauma trigger.
- If you struggle to eat fish, consider meat, chicken, fruits or vegetables. These foods may have a less distinct smell. (This can be a common trauma trigger for people whose trauma occurred on or near water.)
- If you struggle to eat liquid food (like soup) or something like rice, beans, or pap, consider eating food that has a firmer or more solid texture. Examples can include fruits, vegetables, hard boiled eggs or a sandwich.
Other helpful suggestions can include praying before or during meals, saying positive affirmations as you eat, or eating multiple smaller meals throughout the day.
Remember, there is no shame in admitting that you are struggling to eat. If you experience these symptoms for more than a month, please contact your medical doctor or counselor.
Be blessed,
Madeleine