According to the DSM-V (2013), about 0.4% of the population struggles with anorexia nervosa (p.341). While this may seem like a small number, it takes the most amount of lives of any addiction that is out there. In this essay I argue that anorexia nervosa results from people using food to control their negative emotions from trauma. This dysfunction can lead to self and relational dysregulation and functional impairment, but the practice of self-compassion is a life changing tool to enable individuals to reestablish safety and trust in relationships with themselves, others and God.

To accomplish this, in Part One of this paper I first present an overview of the criteria for diagnosing anorexia nervosa and its major symptoms, features, prevalence, and risk factors. This is followed by an explanation of trauma that can lead to developing an eating disorder, which is a major factor for patients with anorexia nervosa. I close Part One with a description of the key effects of trauma, especially highlighting potential problems involving one’s image of the divine, insecure attachments, relational dysregulation and impairment. In Part Two I begin with a discussion of the work of Richard Foster on the importance of self-directed grace on the hurting soul. Next, I describe Dr. Kristin Neff’s three key elements of self compassion: self-kindness, sense of common humanity, and mindfulness. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, individuals can remedy some of the damaging effects of this addiction in their daily relationships by regularly practicing these three components.