When we think of self-punishment, starvation might not immediately come to mind. Yet, for many, eating disorders create a devastating cycle that intertwines emotional pain, physical harm, and financial strain. It's a silent battle that affects the body and financial well-being in ways that can leave people feeling trapped and overwhelmed.
Jaelyn Vickery LSW, is the author of Binging Bankruptcy, which dives into the connection between disordered relationships with food and money—two things we interact with daily that often turn into chronic stressors.
Vickery developed the C3 cycle framework—Compulsion, Consumption, and Control—to explain how these patterns feed into emotional, financial, and physical distress.
According to Vickery, “Eating disorders are not only some of the most common and deadly mental illnesses, but they also carry a staggering financial impact, costing families $24 billion annually and requiring six weeks of unpaid care due to gaps in healthcare access.”
Vickery continued, “These behaviors are often tied to deep-rooted limiting beliefs of unworthiness or uncertainty which drive the cycle.”
Vickery’s goal is to bring more awareness to these parallels and spark the conversations needed to help us all develop healthier relationships with food, money, and ultimately ourselves.
The Bigger Picture: A Costly Struggle
Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and orthorexia are among the most expensive and deadly mental illnesses. They're fueled by societal pressures, unresolved trauma, and, often, a desperate need for control.
Beyond the physical and emotional toll, the financial implications are staggering. A person with an eating disorder may face escalating medical bills, therapy costs, and impulsive food purchases, creating a burden that feels insurmountable.
For example, binge eating might lead to excessive spending on comfort foods, followed by guilt-fueled purges of these items, only to repeat the cycle.
On the other hand, individuals with anorexia may overspend on specialized "safe" foods or supplements while neglecting essential expenses like housing or healthcare. These patterns harm the wallet and reinforce feelings of inadequacy and shame.
Food and Money: A Destructive Cycle
Food and money are essential resources, yet both are frequently mismanaged when mental health issues arise. Disordered eating behaviors often mirror financial struggles:
Compulsion: Emotional triggers, such as stress or anxiety, lead to impulsive spending or eating. People might binge on junk food after a tough day or blow their budget on items offering fleeting comfort.
Consumption: The behaviors—whether overeating or overspending—provide temporary relief but are quickly followed by guilt and shame.
Control: To counteract these feelings, strict rules are imposed: skipping meals, meticulously budgeting every penny, or hoarding money and food. This creates a false sense of stability but sets the stage for another compulsive episode.
The C-3 cycle creates a sense of helplessness, as efforts to regain control often backfire without financial and emotional awareness, further fueling the chronic chaos.
Practical Solutions: Breaking the Cycle
If this struggle feels familiar, you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to regain control of your life. Here's how you can begin to untangle the knots between eating disorders and financial issues:
Seek Support Early
Don't wait to ask for help. Whether it's therapy for your eating disorder or financial counseling to address money issues, connecting with professionals is essential. Many therapists specialize in the intersection of mental health and finances.
Create Small, Realistic Goals
Recovery isn't about perfection. Start with achievable steps, like tracking spending without judgment or incorporating one balanced meal into your day. Celebrate these wins to build confidence.
Use Financial Tools Wisely
Apps or prepaid cards can help establish spending boundaries, making managing impulsive behaviors easier. Similarly, meal planning can prevent overspending on groceries while fostering a healthier relationship with food.
Develop Intuitive Habits
According to Vickery, “Self-awareness truly is a superpower. Rebuilding stability and connection in our human experience starts with engaging intentionally in our daily relationships with food and money. By approaching these interactions mindfully and intuitively, we can begin to embrace inner trust.”
Vickery continues, “Practices like intuitive eating and spending are powerful tools for breaking free from restrictive or compulsive cycles, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced relationship with ourselves and the resources we rely on every day.”
Build a Support System
Whether it's a trusted friend, a therapist, or a support group, having people who understand your journey can make all the difference. They can provide accountability and remind you that you're not alone.
Moving Forward
No one chooses to live under the weight of an eating disorder or financial chaos, but change is possible. Recognizing the link between these challenges is the first step toward breaking free. By addressing emotional and financial health together, you can begin to heal in sustainable and empowering ways.
Remember, recovery is a process, not a destination. With each small step, you're moving closer to a life where food and money no longer feel like punishment but become tools for nourishment and security.
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