When Eating Feels Unreal: Dissociation, Trauma, & the Hidden Side of Eating Disorders

Why does eating sometimes feel distant, foggy, or unreal? Why do meals happen on autopilot, with little connection to hunger, fullness, or satisfaction? In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne Miller explores the often overlooked role of dissociation in eating disorders, especially when trauma and nervous system overwhelm are present. Many people experience eating as disconnected or numb, yet rarely receive language or support that explains why this happens. This episode breaks down how dissociation functions as a survival response, not a failure of recovery. Dr. Marianne explains how trauma, chronic stress, and loss of bodily autonomy can shape the nervous system and disrupt interoceptive awareness, making it difficult to sense hunger, fullness, and internal cues. Listeners will learn how dissociation connects to common eating disorder patterns such as restriction, binge eating, and rigid routines. Rather than viewing these behaviors as resistance or lack of motivation, this episode reframes them as nervous system strategies designed to manage overwhelm and threat. Dr. Marianne also centers neurodivergent experiences, including sensory processing differences and shutdown responses that often get missed in traditional eating disorder treatment. She explains why pressure-based approaches frequently fail neurodivergent people and why safety, accommodation, and choice are essential when eating feels unreal. This episode offers a trauma informed, neurodivergent affirming perspective on recovery, emphasizing that healing does not come from forcing embodiment. Instead, recovery unfolds when the nervous system learns that eating can be safe again. In this episode, you will hear about: Dissociation and eating disorders Trauma and nervous system responses around food Why eating can feel unreal or disconnected Interoception and disrupted hunger and fullness cues Neurodivergence, sensory overwhelm, and eating challenges Why traditional eating disorder treatment often misses dissociation What actually supports recovery when eating feels unreal Midway through the episode, Dr. Marianne shares more about her self-paced ARFID and Selective Eating course, designed for people whose eating struggles are shaped by sensory differences, trauma, and nervous system needs. Related Episodes How Childhood Trauma Shapes Eating Disorders & Body Shame (Content Caution) on Apple & Spotify. Childhood Trauma & Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Using EMDR & Polyvagal Theory to Treat Trauma & Eating Disorders with Dr. Danielle Hiestand, LMFT, CEDS-S on Apple & Spotify. Trauma, Eating Disorders, & Levels of Care with Amy Ornelas, RD via Apple or Spotify. Content Caution This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, trauma, dissociation, sensory overwhelm, and nervous system responses around food. Although no specific behaviors or numbers are described, some listeners may find these topics activating. Please take care of yourself and listen in a way that feels supportive. This episode is for anyone who has felt confused, frustrated, or unseen in eating disorder recovery and wants a framework that finally makes sense.