How to request help with an ED?

mikey_boi · March 27

I have BED (binge eating disorder) and I don't know and don't feel confident about asking for help. I've gotten to an unhealthy weight and I've ended up in hospital overnight because it's caused NAFLD and kidney problems. The problem is that even when I know I need to stop eating I just can't. How do I phrase it when I want to ask my doctors for help, is there also a way to make sure they don't recommend weight loss injections as I don't feel comfortable using them? Please I feel so lost

Nathan · March 27

https://community.themix.org.uk/discussion/3608589/how-to-request-help-with-an-ed

@mikey_boi that sounds like such an extremely tough place to be in. And it's great that your taking efforts and doing your best with this. I'm not sure if anybody has said this to you yet, but well done for having the bravery to be open about it.

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So, my advice is that you write it down beforehand, sort of like a script, and try and rehearse it. Talk about the issue and how significant it is, that it caused hospitalisation, what your bounderies are in rejecting weight loss injections, and explain about your struggle to them. ED's are sadly a common thing many doctors have dealt with before, and so they should hopefully be understanding and will have dealt with these things before.

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Another thing is that it's completely understandable being anxious and not having confidence in asking for help. It can be a terrifying thing reaching out. I wonder if perhaps opening up anonymously, like you have here, might help you to build up that confidence to get to a point where your able to reach out to your GP. If you'd like, i can give you the links to a confidential ED support helpline, who you can talk to as a gentle first step towards help.

Sian321 · 10:33AM

@mikey_boi , thank you so much for this post. It sounds like you're going through a really hard time right now, and I hear how you're feeling lost. I can imagine that being overwhelming.

It is so valid that you don't wish to have weight loss injections, and you deserve to have autonomy and control over your own healthcare. Do you have a sense of what kind of help you would find more supportive? Or if there's any kind of help you do want them to offer?

The following places below might also be able to support you, including with the emotions you're experiencing around this -

BEAT -

Provides free helplines and online resources for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders - including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders. Helpline is open 3pm-8pm Monday-Friday and closed on weekends .

https://peerchat.link/BEAT

First Steps -

Advice and support for anyone affected by eating disorders.

firststepsed.co.uk

How to request help with an ED?

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