Eating Disorders Support Group

Eating disorders are marked by an obsessive need to control the intake and/or purging of food. This community is dedicated to those struggling on the road to recovery. Join to discuss your experience with others and find support. Get advice, ask questions, and meet others who are going through similar struggles.

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Mental Health
/ Eating Disorders Support Group

38 with an ED

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi,
My name is Michelle from Australia...I'm a newbie...I'm 38 have been married for 15 years to an incredibly supportive guy...But whom I hurt daily because of this ED...For as long as I can remember I have always had food issues and so forth...From 1986 to 2001 I was bulimic and then nothing till May this year! My counsellor and I aren't sure what has triggered this ED...But in May I started a really stressful job, had my 17 year old step daughter come and live with us (now that is a whole other story!) and had a suspected miscarriage....From May to August I basically stopped eating (except for the odd coffee and diet coke)....Then in July I was banned from going to my gym which was incredibly difficult...I then started abusing laxatives which I am still doing....I'm now eating a little bit for breakfast and dinner (just so I can stay at the gym)...But no one knows to what I extent I am taking the laxatives...I'm really frightened but can't seem to stop :( Please is anyone in a similar situation...I feel like a total fruitcake because I am in my late 30s and I have an ED...And to look at me you probably wouldn't think so...
deleted_user
deleted_user
It doesn't matter what age you are! An ED can come to anyone!!
I don't know how you feel exactly but I am a good listener and If you ever want to chat I'm here!
Reen xx
Halterbroke
Halterbroke
I understand you. I am 30 years old and have had ED issues since 17...I take psych meds and got all the way to 237 lbs! So I am down to 190 and I am anorexic right now but no one would believe that to look at me, I eat a tiny dinner and I smoke cigarettes and drink coffee all day to not be hungry. I am trying, at least I'm eating something every day now.

ED is not an age-discriminant disase! Good luck to you!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey love, my best friend in treatment was 53 and had suffered 32 years with an ED. She had been married for something like 25-30 years, and had five children. There is no discrimination in who has an ED. I really really recommend getting help though- talk to your husband and enlist his support. If he can't help, then you gotta do it on your own- but we are all here to cradle you in your recovery.
deleted_user
deleted_user
They're all right, those below, you're never too young or too old. I'm 35 and have been anorexic from age 11 to 26, then had a mental breakdown and ballooned to a massive 220lbs now, but ED is bothering me every day and I'm having nightmares about me being this oveerweight, so I'm starting a strict routine, with slimshakes and 2 hour gym sessions each day to shed the excess weight and I've abused laxatives for the past 7 years.

I just seem to go from one exteme to the other.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi there. I can relate to your feelings. I dont think you can age label an ED. He seems to creep up and shadow you without knowing it. As for triggers, we are still trying to pin point me from about 11 years ago.
I also was banned gym and I tried the whole ' i will eat more if you let me work out'. No luck. Take the support of hubby, the ones close to you seemt o be the ones ED can hurt the most.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm 39 and anorexic. So age is not an issue. You've had a lot going on lately so you probably need some good talk therapy and if your stepdaughter is causing you grief that might have something to do with it too.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm 33 and was bulemic from the age of 14 - 27, I got better for a while while I had my kids then now that I've opened up old wounds (abuse) I've suddenly gone right back to my old ways. I too thought I was too old for this and I am embarassed to admit it. I am a healthy 125lb so to look at me you would'nt think I have a problem - but that is the whole idea right? That is part of the disease- the secrecy. Be strong
deleted_user
deleted_user
My anorexia really took hold when I turned 40 and my daughter started to get into trouble. I just turned 45 and I just got out of treatment a little over a month ago. I feel like it's a new chapter in my life.
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