In July we hosted our Eating Disorder in Sport workshop, where we explored the intersection of trauma and athletes with eating disorders. Among our guest speakers Mary Cain whose bravery changed sport as she speaks to the first hand abuse and trauma she endured by her coach.
I was honored to co-present with the incredible Tammy Beasley, who has a way with words dripping in her Southern accent. When we discussed having her join the workshop, she encouraged me ahead of time to read the Oprah Winfrey book What Happened to You?
Over half of those with eating disorders meet clinical criteria for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) (Day, et. al, 2023).
Those who have dealt with ACE (adverse childhood events) have been shown on fMRIs to have altered brain circuitry, especially in areas of pleasure and body image (Monteleon,et. Al 2017).
Some of these individuals may report trauma of more than one type (Convertino, et al. 2022).
Trauma can appear in many forms in sport. It may be abuse by a coach, injury, poor performance, or transition from a coach or teammate. Trauma can also be the outlet for that athlete to escape traumatic events they have experienced. The athlete may use their intensity of training to numb difficult emotions. Trauma can impact the relationship and connection between the athlete and their body.
Watch this video for my take on how trauma can impact athletes:
The book What Happened to You?, co-authored by child psychologist Dr. Bruce Perry, describes the change in how providers work with and treat those with a lived experience of trauma. Many individuals have learned to survive through traumas with a maladaptive means they would not have come to view as maladaptive as it was their way of survival. By asking compassionate questions, providers can open doors for clients to share their stories.
As a dietitian, this may show up as clients being “noncompliant” when asked to break certain food rules or to approach discussions around body image. You may see a shift in body language when asking more thought-provoking questions. Suggestions that seem simple, such as “add a carb to your dinner,” may cause dysregulated reactions in the client.
Trauma is a sympathetic nervous system rewiring to protect the brain from the pain endured. The brain goes there without executive decision. The body connects with what the brain does without understanding or intention.
This is why this is critical for providers in sport to understand how trauma may show up and how to operate a trauma-informed practice. Whether in person or virtual, the way we set up the space and lead sessions has a huge impact on how we connect with clients experiencing the aftereffects of trauma.
Books
- What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Winfrey & Bruce D. Perry
- The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
Blog Posts
- Trauma and Its Impact on Athlete Mental Health – Misty Buck, Hall of Fame Health
- René Holten Poulsen: Let’s Talk About PTSD in Sport – Athlete 365
Papers
Podcasts
- Trauma in Sports – How Athletes Can Re-train Their Nervous System – ALL IN with Natalie Allport
Calming Recipe
- Golden Hot Chocolate by Pick Up Limes