Why Do I Actively Try To Stay Sick?

Why do we cling to the behaviors that hurt us most? In this episode, Kati Morton, LMFT, dives into the physiological and emotional complexities of eating disorder recovery, trauma responses, and the "why" behind our most difficult survival mechanisms. We explore the "safety" found in cycles like bulimia or anorexia when living in neglectful environments, and Kati provides actionable tools for those navigating C-PTSD, DID, and intimacy after divorce. The "Freeze" Response: Understanding "bed-locking" and C-PTSD. Complicated Grief: Why you might feel numb when an abuser passes away. The Feelings Wheel: Practical tools for naming emotions when you feel disconnected. Dissociation & DID: Managing treatment while living in an unsafe home. Shopping with our sponsors helps support Ask Kati Anything. Please check out this week's special offers: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code KATI oneskin.co/KATI Zocdoc: find and book top-rated doctors, therapists, or mental health providers near you in minutes zocdoc.com/kati Remi: protect your teeth from grinding with a custom-fit night guard. Go to shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 50% off Hers: visit forhers.com/kati to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you 00:00 – Intro: Mind-body responses 00:43 – ED cycles in abusive homes & Mandated Reporting 07:02 – Grieving an abuser: Understanding emotional numbness 12:41 – Why we "enjoy" or miss our eating disorders 25:01 – Tools for naming emotions (The Feelings Wheel) 32:27 – Navigating DID treatment in unsafe environments 39:09 – Is "bed-locking" a normal C-PTSD response? 47:09 – Shame and intimacy after divorce 53:03 – When your therapist challenges your recovery YouTube: youtube.com/@Katimorton Books: Why Do I Keep Doing This?, Traumatized, and Are u ok? Online Therapy: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/kati Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for diagnosis and treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices