EP 239.5: From Trauma to Triumph ~ 6 Things Your Past Can Teach You **Must Listen Fav!**

In this powerful episode, Lindsey gets vulnerable about the connection between trauma and eating disorders, sharing why sometimes it's okay to look at our past to catapult us into our future. If you've experienced trauma and are wondering how it connects to your eating disorder, this episode will provide hope, healing insights, and practical steps forward.

Discover the 6 essential things to remember about your past that can transform your recovery journey and help you move from survival to thriving.

Note: This episode addresses sensitive topics around trauma. Lindsey emphasizes that as a recovery coach, she focuses on the here and now of recovery, while encouraging professional therapy support for trauma processing.

Key Topics Covered:

💔 The trauma-eating disorder connection: Why 81% of people with eating disorders have experienced trauma

🧠 Understanding trauma types: Acute vs. chronic trauma and how it relates to ED development

🛡️ Eating disorders as coping mechanisms: How restriction becomes a false sense of control

🌅 6 powerful reminders about your past that can transform your recovery journey

🕊️ The role of forgiveness in healing and moving forward

💪 Why your deepest pain can become your greatest triumph

Shocking Statistics Revealed:

📊 25% of those with eating disorders also meet criteria for PTSD

📊 81% of people with eating disorders had at least one traumatic experience

📊 68% experienced trauma before any eating disorder symptoms appeared

These numbers show you're not alone and that the connection between trauma and eating disorders is real and valid.

Common Traumas Associated with Eating Disorders:

⚡ Childhood abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) ⚡ Bullying or social ostracism ⚡ Body shaming and weight stigma ⚡ Loss and grief experiences ⚡ Accidents or medical trauma ⚡ Intergenerational or cultural traumatic events

Remember: Trauma is subjective - what's traumatic for one person may not be for another, and that's completely valid.

6 Things to Remember About Your Past: 1. Your Past Doesn't Exist Anymore

• Healing isn't linear - good and bad days are normal
• Some days it may feel real, but it's no longer your current reality
• Progress includes setbacks, and that's part of the process

2. Your Past Doesn't Define You

• Your experiences shape you but don't determine your worth
• You hold the power to grow, evolve, and change
• Only you have the key to become who you want to be

3. Your Past Can Only Serve as a Teacher

• All emotions about your past are valid
• There's no "right way" to feel about past experiences
• What matters is what you do next with that knowledge

4. Your Past Doesn't Have to Block Your Future

• Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness
• You can reinvent and recreate yourself
• No matter how many times you've tried recovery, you can start again

5. Holding On May Lead to Reliving

• Your wound is not your fault, but your healing is your responsibility
• Memories can be imperfect, especially trauma memories
• Holding on keeps you stuck in the struggle

6. Your Past Self Deserves Love and Forgiveness