Eating disorders (EDs) are no joke. Basically everything I have learned about them says that the best thing to do is seek help ASAP, so I’m glad that you’re thinking of seeking help.
If you’re wondering if you are headed down that path, I have an article here that lists a lot of symptoms of EDs:
You do not have to diagnose yourself before you get help; all you need to do is be able to describe your feelings and symptoms. Perhaps these questions can help you:
-Do you feel like you eat lots of food or very little food?
-Do you feel any sorts of compulsions around food?
-Do you feel out of control when it comes to food?
-Do you think about weight or body image a lot?
-Do you feel any kind of guilt when you eat in general? Certain foods?
-Do other people make comments on your weight or image?
-Do other people make comments on whatever they see you eat or don’t eat?
I highly recommend speaking to your doctor as a starting point; they should be able to refer you to a specialist for EDs. If you do not have a regular doctor, feel free to find such a specialist yourself. I suggest finding someone who specializes in these disorders because they are so vast and these folks can help you develop better relationships with food and yourself. Usually, people develop eating disorders as a form of seeking control; it could have to do with feeling out of control in some other area of your life or a way of addressing body image issues. These professionals should be able to help you figure out the roots and triggers so you can heal.
This article can help you find the right kind of treatment: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/treatment
That same site also has a helpline if you are in a pinch: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline
Please don’t hesitate to reach back out if you have any other questions. Like I said before, EDs are no joke, so you’re better off seeking help now while it’s easier than waiting till you’re farther down the path. I sense you may be feeling the “not sick enough” stigma; this is the idea that you have to be absolutely miserable and suffering to “deserve” help. This can’t be further from the truth; it’s like that old expression that says, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cures.”
Eating disorders (EDs) are no joke. Basically everything I have learned about them says that the best thing to do is seek help ASAP, so I’m glad that you’re thinking of seeking help.
If you’re wondering if you are headed down that path, I have an article here that lists a lot of symptoms of EDs:
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-and-symptoms
You do not have to diagnose yourself before you get help; all you need to do is be able to describe your feelings and symptoms. Perhaps these questions can help you:
-Do you feel like you eat lots of food or very little food?
-Do you feel any sorts of compulsions around food?
-Do you feel out of control when it comes to food?
-Do you think about weight or body image a lot?
-Do you feel any kind of guilt when you eat in general? Certain foods?
-Do other people make comments on your weight or image?
-Do other people make comments on whatever they see you eat or don’t eat?
I highly recommend speaking to your doctor as a starting point; they should be able to refer you to a specialist for EDs. If you do not have a regular doctor, feel free to find such a specialist yourself. I suggest finding someone who specializes in these disorders because they are so vast and these folks can help you develop better relationships with food and yourself. Usually, people develop eating disorders as a form of seeking control; it could have to do with feeling out of control in some other area of your life or a way of addressing body image issues. These professionals should be able to help you figure out the roots and triggers so you can heal.
This article can help you find the right kind of treatment: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/treatment
That same site also has a helpline if you are in a pinch: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline
I do have some more resources for you to peruse:
https://www.theprojectheal.org
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
https://www.amightygirl.com/catalogsearch/result?q=eating+disorders
Please don’t hesitate to reach back out if you have any other questions. Like I said before, EDs are no joke, so you’re better off seeking help now while it’s easier than waiting till you’re farther down the path. I sense you may be feeling the “not sick enough” stigma; this is the idea that you have to be absolutely miserable and suffering to “deserve” help. This can’t be further from the truth; it’s like that old expression that says, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cures.”
Socially-distanced hugs,
Angelica Barile