Cycle Breaker and Change Maker | Breaking the Cycle of Self-harm Caused by Trauma

Cycle Breaker and Change Maker with Renata Ortega

Episode 31 Title: Breaking the Cycle of Self-Harm Caused by Trauma

Before we begin today’s episode, I want to give a gentle content warning. We’ll be talking about self-harm and eating disorders—topics that can be very sensitive and triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself while listening. If at any point you need to pause or come back later, that’s okay. Do what feels right for you.

This space is about compassion and healing. Let’s begin.

Today’s episode covers a topic that is often kept in the shadows: self-harm as a response to trauma—and more importantly, how to break the cycle.

If you’re here because you’ve struggled with self-harm or love someone who does, I want to first say—you are not alone. This is a space free of shame and full of honesty, compassion, and possibility. The pain is real, and so is the hope.

Like in every episode, I’ll share part of my story, and then walk you through real, practical steps to help you move from survival into healing.

Let’s Begin with the Why: Why Trauma Can Lead to Self-Harm

For many of us, trauma doesn’t just go away once the danger has passed. Instead, it lingers in our bodies and minds. We look fine on the outside, but internally we’re doing everything we can to survive.

Sometimes, the only way we know how to cope is through behaviors that give us a false sense of control—like self-harm.

Self-harm can look different for everyone. For some, it’s physical injury. For others, like in my case, it’s more hidden. My self-harm showed up through restrictive eating and overexercising—behaviors that no one questioned, but that were chipping away at me from the inside.

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Until the next time - warmly yours,
Renata