stopping an eating disorder.

Former Member · February 2004

how?
I look at myself and think im fat, i know im not, but its there. Ive stopped eating all the time. Im not eating breakfast, ive eaten a jacket potatoe and a roast today, only bcos my mum made me.
Im back in school tmorrow and it will be very easy to say ive eaten when i havent if you get me.
I dont want to eat, thats the problem, and i dont want it to turn into an eating disorder, but i dont know what to do, do i just have to make myself eat and feel bad?

Former Member · February 2004

I dont want to sound really obvious and patronizing...but you really have a serious problem! you shouldn't be feeling like this, and if you repress your feelings, they will backfire!
Yeah, almost every girl thinks that she's fat. A lot of that is to do boys and the media constantly putting us down! you need to deal with the situation by doing something that is an outlet for these feelings...jogging is great, it gives you time to think about things, you get fresh air and you are excersing, which 1.Is vital for good health and 2. makes you feel better about yourself and you will be in a more positive state of mind.
what ever you do, dont starve yourself PLEASE?! i have been there! but i started to exercise more and it makes you feel better, and because you feel better, you look better!
Good luck! and look after yourself!

Former Member · February 2004

Hey Tink
A woman's relationship with her weight and body image is one that changes and develops over time. As others have already said, it is completely normal for women to see themselves in a less attractive light than others see them, but the challenge is to become happy with who you are. You said that you know you're not fat - so you've got to keep that in mind - do you really think that weighing less would make you happier? In most cases, the constant struggle to remain thin makes people really unhappy. The best thing anyone can do is maintain a healthy balanced diet (and that includes breakfast, lunch AND dinner) and exercise - this will keep you trim and happy.

If you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling contact:
Eating Disorders Association
Helpline: 0845 634 1414 (8.30am-8.30pm weekdays). Youth helpline (under 18s): 0845 634 7650 (4pm-6.30pm weekdays).
www.edauk.com
info@edauk.com

Also, have a read of
this feature - it will help you understand the risks you are putting your body through.

Hannah Spannerx

Former Member · February 2004

Originally posted by spanner
In most cases, the constant struggle to remain thin makes people really unhappy. The best thing anyone can do is maintain a healthy balanced diet (and that includes breakfast, lunch AND dinner) and exercise - this will keep you trim and happy.
Also, have a read of
this feature - it will help you understand the risks you are putting your body through.

:yes:

and you know, the risks listed on that feature didn't mention things that would still affect you years afterwards, and probably forever.

i've been a healthy weight for 3 years, and i'm still riddled with health problems. i'm on the waiting list to see two specialists right now, because my body just will not behave.

my digestive system is screwed up majory, and i have tablets i'll probably have to take for the rest of my life just so i can eat without pain. my immune system is practically non existent, and i get every bug going. plus most of my colds develop into something worse - a chest infection, sinusitis. i get cystitis practically every week. my blood pressure is completely unstable, if i stand up quickly, i will fall over. my balance is shoddy. my teeth and eyes are much weaker than they were - i have a filling in every molar, and my eyes don't focus properly. my bones are weak, and they ache in the winter, my joints are stiff, my muscles are feeble. my periods came back, which is a good sign, sometimes they don't, but i still won't know if i can have children until i start trying.

and was it all worth it? no. being skinny didn't make me happy. it didn't make people like me more, it didn't make boys fall in love with me, it didn't get me a good job, or fantastic grades at school. it just made me tired and unhappy, and gave me a legacy of ill-health to carry around for the rest of my life.

Former Member · February 2004

people with eating disorders suffer greatly, I very very very almost had one and if I'm not careful I'll be back in that place. The effects on your mind are horrendous, some of the things that go through your head and the things you are willing to do to yourself are awful. And as Kaffrin has said, even after you have recovered you will have constant reminders all your life in the form of other various illnesses and problems. So if you possibly possibly can, don't let this go any further. I know how hard it is, I've been there, but you really need to take control of this before it takes control of you chick.

Former Member · February 2004

i know you people here are speaking the truth but steady on... tink i think you're going through something that's a lot more common than you think. i would advise you to chat this through with someone face to face, and also someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. maybe see if you can find someone at school you can spend lunch time with that'll keep an eye on you and what you're eating. you gotta be truthful about this to get anywhere otherwise things could get out of hand. that is not to say they will get out of hand though so don't read this wrong. your school should have support systems and policies that can help you (if it looks like you're in danger then someone high up will have to be informed) and also, i dunno where you live but there is usually a youth service around (connexions are very good). there are people out there that will help you but you've got to take that decision. PM me if you like.
The Silly String

Former Member · February 2004

Originally posted by sillystring
there are people out there that will help you but you've got to take that decision.

At the end of the day, that's what it comes down to. I have just accepted that I am bulimic having spent almost a year telling myself that making myself sick was somehow "normal" and that cutting myself was the problem so if being sick stopped me self-harming it was the way forward. I have come to depend on the support of one or two really close friends who know what's going on, they keep an eye on me when I've been eating (for me there's no deterrant like knowing I'll be caught out and feeling like I'll let people down), etc. But it took a lot to confide in them - just as I imagine it took a lot for you to admit here that you might have a problem. Well done for that.

If you don't want to talk to someone you know, try the Eating Disorders Association. I'm just going to find their helpline no. for you...

I'm on the end of my PM box if you like.

Take care
xxx

Former Member · February 2004

Taken from the Eating Disorders Association website
The EDA Youthline is available for confidential support and information for anyone in the UK. The service aims to provide a non-judgemental 'listening ear' to young people who are seeking help to overcome their eating disorder and for young friends and relatives. We will not tell you what to do, but it can help to talk things through and come up with ideas and options together.

You can call the Youthline on 0845 634 7650 . It is open from 4.00 pm to 6.30 pm Monday to Friday and 1.00pm to 4.30 Saturdays. We are able to call young people back to save your phone bill, but do consider who will answer the phone. We are unable to return calls from outside the UK.

I know it's scary making calls to total strangers, but it feels better to some people than telling someone they know - people often feel they are burdening their friends or letting them down if they admit to them they have a problem. I assure you this is not the case, but these helplines are there to be used and the people on the end have been trained to help. Hope this is useful.

Former Member · February 2004

Hey Huni,

I now how you feel cos I'm doing it again. I say again cos I used to be anorexic. I all started when I was determind to show my dad n stepmam I wouldn't pick up weight on holiday but over the months it spiralled out of control and I was about 1 week away from hospitilisation. Not nice.

Huni, really as hard as it may be yo have to try and eat healthy things. And just small things like a small yoghurt or apple for breakfast a sandwich with light cheese spread for lunch and some tea later on.

It's normal to feel like that but try not to see yourself as fat just untoned cos thats what we all really are!

Take care hun,

Anya
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Former Member · February 2004

try changing the food you snack on - ie if you used to have brekkie and school dinner then come home and have a couple of biccies, still eat the brekkie and lunch, but change the biccies to salad or fruit or something. if you feel you need to cut down on the weight etc, dont do it by skipping meals, just change bits of your diet.

stopping an eating disorder.

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