How are Self Injury are Eating Disorders psychologically alike?

I have had therapy for self-injury. And I still struggle to not give in ... (kinda of like an alcoholic may struggle to not have a drink on a bad day) ... and I had bulimic tendencies in high school which I never specifically addressed.

I have always heard self-injury and eating disorders were connected somehow in the brain.

I have had a friend I met in college who had to go to an institution-of-sorts for her anorexia, and she confirmed that several of the eating disorder patients had self-injury habits.

I can see how anorexia is more likely linked to self-injury due to a psychological sense of control... but overall... I would love to hear an educated explanation or why both self-injury and eating disorders are often linked.

Research I try to find on my own doesnt seem too black and white, so anyone versed in this I would love to know what you do.
Thanks=)

Joni-You hit the nail on the head when you said it didnt even hurt when you did it. Same with myself when I did.

I found that my life was out of my control and in the control of everyone else. I learned that the one thing I had control over was my body. So I could cut, burn, starve, or punish it the way I saw fit. I never even hurt while I did it. Bit by bit I have carved my body to pieces and then needed to learn to control that.

I control my impulses to do those things by not allowing those same people into my life or home.

They both can form as a result of unhappiness with one's self and how their life is progressing.

yes hun, they are related ( in my eyes there are ) I went from cutting and slef medicat to anroixa/bliuma. I cut sometimes but not as much anymore. ( cause of the ed) For me a lot of it is has to do with control, all my control got taken from me at a young age. So this is how i have it now. But working on it with my therpaist right now to get over this slef harm habits. I just dont feel like i'm wroth anything, so when i get mad, upset or anything i take it out on my and this is how. Not eating, or throwing up, cutting and thing i can do. I hope this is what your looking for sorry if i'm way off.