Summary: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders don't usually share the headline of any conversation -- but they should considering the fact that 66% of eating disorder patients have a trauma history. Plus, PTSD is a strong predictor (that means it increases your likelihood) of experiencing eating disorder behavior. Indeed, I myself struggled for over twenty years with anorexia. It began as a simple bid to feel safe in and control my body. With time, however, I realized I couldn't stop: to me, anorexia felt like an addiction to food restriction. Today, in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness week I spoke with two guests from the National Eating Disorder Association about the link between PTSD and eating disorders. In our conversation we covered: A definition of the three most common eating disorders What symptoms you might experience How to overcome fear, shame and embarrassment in reaching out for help. The value of peer to peer support. What first step to take if you think you may have an eating disorder Plus, we touched on secrecy, avoidance, isolation and withdrawal -- all parts of both the PTSD and eating disorder experience. Lauren Lohse has been an integral part of NEDA’s Programs Department since joining the team in February 2014. As the Navigator Program Manager, Lauren trains, manages, and oversees volunteers around the nation to help NEDA deliver information, referrals, and individualized support services to individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Lauren attended the University of Kansas, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Business. During this time, she also gained extensive experience in the mental health field by working in a treatment center for women and children recovering from alcohol and substance abuse. She then continued her studies in The Netherlands, where she received a Master of Science degree in Clinical and Health Psychology from Leiden University and conducted focused research on patients with celiac disease as part of collaboration between Leiden’s Institute of Psychology and the Leiden University Medical Center, investigating the relationship between physical health, nutrition, and mood. Lauren is passionate about her work with NEDA and enjoys helping Navigators continue to spread hope for recovery and provide truly life-changing support and guidance to individuals when they need it most. In her free time, Lauren enjoys playing tennis, traveling, cycling, and volunteering as a member of various alumni groups and community organizations. Lauren Smolar has been with NEDA since 2011. Prior to joining the NEDA staff, Lauren volunteered on the NEDA Helpline as a trained phone operator. Her responsibilities as Helpline Manager include overseeing daily training and supervision of volunteers, the volunteer program, NEDA Forums, and the communication between co-collaborating programs involved with the Helpline. Lauren also oversees the tracking of data and feedback collected through Helpline. Lauren has been part of expanding Helpline hours, as well as offering online chat and moderated recovery forums. She is currently working on strengthening NEDA’s remote volunteer capabilities so that individuals all over the country have the ability to get involved. Lauren completed her undergraduate degree from Queens College, finishing with a Bachelor’s degree in Family & Consumer Studies as well as training in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling and Student Services disciplines. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis. She is passionate about increasing access to care and helping individuals and families affected by eating disorders to find the support they are looking forward to move forward with recovery.
