I decided to write about this topic because this was very much a feature of my eating disorder, and one of the ways it manifested in my life.
In a world that often glorifies being constantly busy and driven , being committed to work can feel like a badge of honour. For me it was something that I received lots of external validation for, in fact it was such a big part of my life, it felt like my profession was my identity, I was not sure who I was without it. I had no idea until I went through recovery how an obsession with work and an obsessive focus with food could be part and parcel of the same thing.
However, this relentless pursuit of professional success can become a destructive force, when its intertwined with an eating disorder. There is a common ground where workaholism and eating disorders feed into each other, creating a vicious and debilitating cycle.
At the heart of both workaholism and many eating disorders lies a shared set of psychological underpinnings:
The Quest for Control:
In a world that often feels chaotic, both work and food can become perceived areas of control. For someone with an eating disorder, restricting food or meticulously planning meals offers a sense of control over their body and life. Similarly, a workaholic might use their work to exert control over their environment, and their perceived future. When other areas of life feel unmanageable, these become the go-to sources of stability.
Perfectionism and High Standards:
Both workaholism and eating disorders are frequently fuelled by intense, and often crippling, perfectionism. The desire to achieve results, whether at work or day of restrictive eating, can drive individuals to extreme lengths. The fear of failure – in work or in maintaining a certain body shape – becomes a powerful motivator.
Tying Your Self-Worth to Achievement:
For many, self-worth becomes inextricably linked to external achievements. I see this so often in people with eating disorders because even if they don’t realise it , they often have low self-esteem and low self-worth. This may not be obvious to anyone they know, as often they present as someone who has it “ all together”.
A workaholic will usually derive their entire sense of identity from their career success, a promotion or recognition of their work achievements.
This was very much what I experienced.
Similarly, someone with an eating disorder might believe their value as a person is directly tied to their body size or following strict eating rules.
When your self-worth is fragile and dependent on external validation, both work and disordered eating can become desperate attempts to feel good enough.
Coping Mechanisms for Emotional Pain:
Both overworking and disordered eating can serve as a coping mechanism for underlying emotional distress. When faced with anxiety, stress, loneliness, or unresolved trauma, endless tasks or obsessing over food can provide a temporary distraction or a false sense of security. The constant activity of work or the mental preoccupation with food can effectively numb difficult feelings, preventing us from truly processing them.
How Working constantly “feeds” your eating disorder
Workaholism and eating disorders are not just shared traits; they can actively reinforce each other:
1. Work as an Escape:
Long hours and an intense focus on work can provide a convenient distraction from hunger cues or the urge to binge/purge. The exhaustion
from overworking can also suppress appetite or make it easier to justify restrictive eating patterns due to lack of time.
2. Eating Disorder Fuelling Work Drive:
The rigid discipline associated with restrictive eating disorders can translate into a heightened desire to push ourselves relentlessly at work. The desire for control and perfection in one area spills into another.
3. Physical and Mental Deterioration:
Both conditions take a heavy toll on your physical and mental health. The never ending stress from workaholism can exacerbate anxiety and depression, which are common co-occurring conditions with eating disorders.
Malnutrition from an eating disorder can lead to fatigue, poor concentration and impaired judgment, making it harder to sustain a demanding work schedule. I found that work I had been able to do quickly and easily in my early career become more challenging and took longer, which made no sense to me, but just drove me to work harder and longer.
4. Isolation:
Both workaholism and eating disorders thrive in isolation. The secrecy and shame associated with eating disorders, combined with the social withdrawal often seen in workaholics, can leave you feeling alone and make you feel smaller and smaller the further into your eating disorder you get.
If this resonates with you, then I promise you that with a combination of building your self worth, re nourishing your body, and setting healthy boundaries around your work, you can once again start to enjoy work.
And don’t worry, the standard of your work does not have to change, I worried if I did not over work then I would not be good at my job, but it turns out being happy in your life, makes you happier at work and your best will be good enough.
