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.
Hi,
^My name is caroline I am 14 years old and I am recovering from a long time struggle with an eating disorder(manily anorexia). I have gotten mostly better and am no longer at the dire low weight I was at before. Although, I did most of the recovering myself and was never put in a proper treatment program. I think my parents were half aware that |I had an eating disorder but not that I am at a much better weight for me I don;t think they understand I still have issues. I still weight myself a lot and am focaused on maintaing a certain weight for my height. I am going to a new school next year and am nervous about how people will percieve me. I joined this since I have not really talked with many people who have gone thourgh similar experiences. ^My dad in particular can be a bit triggering since he is obsessed with athletics and frequently mentions my weight. I am trying really hard to not be triggered by everything.
First of all I'd like to say that takes a lot of courage and strength to be able to reach out for support to this group like you did! Seeking help is a really, really good thing that shows you want to do the right thing for yourself. I also am a mostly recovered anorexic and have maintained a normal weight for several years, and I have to say that though I still have a lot of anorexic thoughts I can recognize them and say NO to them more often than I used to be able to. It does get a lot more difficult when routines change, like this next year when you change schools...for me, at least, it felt like my eating was the one thing I could control in my life when everything else went to pieces. Some things that helped me when I was struggling with a transition were: 1. Have a trusted person you can talk to about what you are going through, and maybe give you a reality check or outside opinion. It may be a friend or a trusted adult or a counselor. Another way to talk about what's going on inside of you is to journal. I started a journal in treatment for anorexia at the direction of a therapist, and I still use it when those anorexic thoughts are swirling around in my head 2. Minimize negative or triggering influences. They will definitely pop up...could be a person, a TV show, a fashion magazine, different things for different people. If possible, avoid situations that aren't good for you in that way. It sounds like your dad is very body-conscious and mentions your weight. It might help to talk about this with him and consider including your mom in the conversation. It would be good to tell your parents what you're going through.
3. Your body is GOOD! It may not be perfect (I know mine isn't), but it's part of who you are and what makes you a unique, irreplaceable, and unrepeatable person. Embrace who you are, inside and out! Make those little decisions every day to be kind to your body because you are worth it. Hope that helps!
Yeah my dad used to tease me about my diet when i was just starting to watch what I ate. I was into this vegan diet, I was obsessed with nutrition. Wanted to be clean inside. They call this ortharexia. I was so skinny. It must have concerned both my parents. I went from being a healthy 6' 2" 195 lbs 18 year old young man, who eventually went down to 155 lbs by the time I was 19.
I thought that I looked OK and my plan was to gain the weight back but solid muscle, Wanted to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. lol like lots of guys at that time. He was the Man.
I remember when my dad caught me binging on chocolate bars. He made fun of me --maybe I deserved it. I was kind of arrogant. but regardless it amplified my shame. I was in the closet with binge eating. No one could know my dirty little secret.
I have come along way since then.
This may be a little controversial Caroline but it is not actually illegal. I used cocaine to alleviate the wrench I would feel in my stomach. that of course almost killed me so I would definitely not recommend that ,but I discovered that you can get tea made from the actual leaves from the coca plant. YOU DO NOT GET HIGH. anyways I've been drinking this tea now for 3 months and I have to say that my eating has never been so normal. I have no desire to fill my stomach past it's capacity.
I would definitly talk with your parents though Caroline. It took a long time for me but I am finally developing an actual frienship with my mom and step dad. My dad is gone but can still talk to him and feel suport. We need that support. I need that support. It is a must. It may not be able to happen for you right now but i'd encourage opening up to them.
Do have a councilor?
Hope so. cause I aint one lol
It's just that I feel for anyone going through food and body issues.
It was hell for me anyways. I just want to help
Hope you have a great day Caroline
Sincerely,
Mike