hello, i would really appreciate if someone could help me understand some things
ive struggled with food for a while now and its recently been getting worse (tho it has been far worse before) bc ive been kinda isolated bc im in my first year of uni and been a little too anxious and busy to make friendsā¦ its made me a bit depressedā¦ and i know it shouldnt matter but i feel really stupid bringing it up with my therapist bc i dont have a diagnosis (bc for the other stuff i do)
i also feel like its not really real bc im not thin enough for it to be a problem? i wont quantify the issue because these things are competitive and i dont want to harm other users but its gotten to the point im struggling to function because i feel weak all the time and the guilt is eating me aliveā¦ im literally thinking about food like all the time its driving me insane its so all consuming
could someone help me understand what an ed or anorexia counts as? bc i really feel im making a big deal out of a common teenage experience (if 19 counts as a teenager) but its really driving me nutsā¦ it genuinely makes me want to die sometimes (please do not respond with hotlines, its okay, i can handle myself)
thank you guys for reading and listening apologies if im being incoherent im horrendous at talking about my mental healthā¦
Hello, i want to assure you that you are not being over dramatic and whatever you are feeling is valid and understandable. The transition to uni is definitely very different. I struggled to make friends back then as well. But who knows maybe in your next year or so, you will make good friends! Or going for cca or even during group work or different classes you might meet new friends!
Theres no shame in bringing anything that is crossing your mind to your therapist. Even with or without a diagnosis, everyone should be heard. Hope you will continue to open up to your therapist!
I dont know much about aneroxia, but i am worried about you. Hope you are able to eat well and do not skip or starve yourself!
Thank you for reaching out to seek an understanding about what you are experiencing.
Eating disorders (EDs) are complex mental health conditions that affect individuals of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds. They are characterised by abnormal eating habits, emotions, and thoughts related to food and body image.
Common Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa: Restrictive eating, significant weight loss, and fear of gaining weight.
Bulimia Nervosa: Recurring episodes of binge eating followed by purging or compensatory behaviors.
Binge Eating Disorder: Frequent episodes of binge eating without purging or compensatory behaviors.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): Eating disorders that donāt meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder, but still cause significant distress and impairment.
Recognising the Signs
Restrictive eating or avoidance of certain foods
Bingeing or overeating
Purging or compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise)
Preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape
Distorted body image or self-perception
Guilt, shame, or anxiety related to eating or body image
Social withdrawal or avoidance due to eating-related concerns
From what you have shared, your struggles with food, guilt, and anxiety, as well as your feelings of weakness and preoccupation with food, suggest that you may be experiencing disordered eating behaviours. Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their weight, age, or background.
May I suggest that you can consider to :
Talk to your therapist: Share your concerns with your therapist, even if you donāt have a formal diagnosis. They can help you address your struggles and develop coping strategies.
Consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist: A healthcare professional can help you develop a healthy relationship with food and your body.
I believe seeking help is a sign of strength, and addressing your struggles can lead to a more positive and healthy relationship with food and your body.
Your feelings and experiences are valid, and itās essential to acknowledge that youāre struggling. Donāt hesitate to reach out for support, and remember that you deserve compassion, understanding, and helpā„ļø.
i spoke to my therapist about it, she has an idea of whats going on so thatās greatā¦ iām still scared to talk to her about it tho because idk i find it really embarrassing for some reasonā¦ she wants me to tell my doctor too at our upcoming appointment and im so so scaredā¦ i feel so stupid bringing it up because i feel like its not a real issue and im just making it up
not too sure about the dietician thing you mentioned, my therapist said she considered referring me out to a specialist but decided against itā¦ isnāt that only necessary if your physical health is being affected? i think im probably completely fine physically because im not anywhere close to thinā¦ i donāt think itāll be an issueā¦
i wanted to ask, does it still count if im not thinā¦ the last time this happened i was but recently i gained a lot of weight because of medication and i feel like im overweightā¦ dont actually know the number thoā¦ idk i am a psych student and i know that there are bmi requirements so clearly this isnt an issue rightā¦ my issue is really just how much its taken over my thoughts not really a physical issueā¦ would you know what the right way to communicate that to my therapist or doctor would be :")
sorry to bother you, thank you so so muchā¦ no pressure to reply at all feel free not to
As mentioned by myself, @Happie and @CaringBee previously, eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their weight, BMI, age, or background. It is therefore okay and valid for you to seek help even though you feel āphysically fineā.
It takes a lot of courage to speak to your therapist about these concerns, and itās completely natural to feel scared or embarrassed. Remember that your feelings and thoughts are valid, and you deserve to be heard and understood. Your therapist is there to support you, and discussing these issues with your doctor is a crucial step towards finding the help you need.
When it comes to your physical health, itās important to remember that issues related to eating and body image can affect anyone, regardless of their weight or BMI. The mental and emotional impact of these concerns is just as significant as any physical symptoms. The fact that these thoughts are consuming you is reason enough to take them seriously and seek the support you need. Itās not about meeting a certain weight criteria; itās about how these issues are affecting your overall well-being.
To communicate this to your therapist or doctor, you could explain how much these thoughts have taken over your mind and how theyāre impacting your daily life. You might say something like, āEven though my weight has changed, I find myself constantly thinking about food and my body, and itās really affecting my mental health. I feel like I need help to address these thoughts and find a healthier relationship with food and my body.ā
Remember, they are there to help you, and being open about your struggles is the first step towards getting the support you need.
Best regards, Danial
Befriender | letās talk by mindline.sg
Iām not too sure what local literature youāre referring to (so if you could put the links to the articles here, thatāll be great!).
From my understanding, doctors (such as GPs in Polyclinics) are required to treat all patients with dignity, respect and empathy. And your intention to seek medical help from a professional is completely valid as well.
I can see how frustrating and disheartening it can be when your concerns arenāt taken seriously, especially when discussing health issues. Itās important to remember that healthcare professionals, like anyone else, can have a range of perspectives and biases based on their training, experience, and even cultural background. While Western medical articles might align with some information, thereās often value in exploring a diverse range of resources, including local and alternative perspectives that resonate more closely with your experiences.
However, it is crucial to balance personal research with professional advice. While articles and online resources can provide useful information and empower you to ask informed questions, they should not replace direct consultations with qualified healthcare providers. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on your unique medical history and needs, ensuring a tailored approach to your health and well-being. If youāve felt dismissed or unheard in the past, it might be worth seeking a second opinion or finding a healthcare provider who is more aligned with your values and concerns.
Ultimately, your health is paramount, and advocating for yourself is a vital part of the process. Donāt be discouraged if your path to finding the right care is a bit challenging. By seeking out knowledgeable and empathetic professionals, you can create a supportive team that respects and addresses your worries effectively. Remember, itās your right to feel validated and cared for in your healthcare journey.
im scared theyāll laugh at me