Jennifer's Journal

hyperphagia:

Childhood trauma (in the form of abuse/neglect) and its aftereffects can be chronic and enduring; it can stunt people both physically and mentally and completely arrest psychosocialdevelopment. It is disabling in that it causes people to become disconnected from themselves and from the world, leaving them unable to form and sustain a coherent sense of self. Trauma victims tend to vent their repressed anger in one of two ways: they either turn it inward, destroying themselves through eating disorders, promiscuity, self harm etc. or continue the cycle of abuse by directing it towards others in the form of bullying, sadism etc. Therefore trauma is often the causation and catalyst of more suffering, and so the cycle of abuse continues through generations and peer groups.

For many though, trauma can open the path to infinite healing and discovery. For myself personally, it has ignited a profound sense of compassion and understanding of human suffering. I have and will continue to turn my adversity into strength and knowledge. I will continue to utilise my empathy to help others and offer hope through the most difficult of experiences. I will not be defeated by this; I will only become more determined. I will not succumb to my past; I will channel my unexpressed anger and transform it into beauty.

Source: hyperphagia