Eating disorder Quote by Christine Ann Lawson
““Like many Waifs, Angela never learned to nourish herself emotionally, and suffered from an eating disorder. She simply could not take in or tolerate good feelings. She had to reject what she needed in order to protect herself from disappointment. She could not lose what she did not have.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Unbearable Lightness of Being, 1984
A person who cannot accept positive emotions may develop self‑destructive habits to avoid disappointment.
In simple terms: Emotional neglect leads to harmful coping.
Key Takeaway
Learn to accept and nurture good feelings.
Themes
self‑esteem
emotional health
coping mechanisms
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
personal
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal growth
- support groups
- self‑help
Key Concepts
psychology
attachment theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect yourself from disappointment?
- What small steps can you take to welcome positive feelings?
A Different Perspective
Emotional avoidance can be reinforced by past trauma.
![“Emma cites the structure of the [Eating Disorder] Unit as being important to her decision to disengage from her illness, and the fact that she felt safe in it, and cared for. 'It was the first time I'd been in an environment where I felt comfortabe with all the people around me. I felt "I can be…” quote by Carol Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/419/carol-lee-39506_anorexia_emma-cites-the-structure-of-the-eating-d_45862.jpg)
