TeenHelp - Possible start of an eating disorder...?

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Possible start of an eating disorder...?

Okay, SO!

I haven't been eating much the past week, just a pair of mini-cheeseburgers at lunch and then a couple servings of food at dinner.

My friend Stevie has been helping me out and he's really worried that I might be becoming anorexic.

But, it's not like I'm not eating because I want to lose weight. It's not that at all; I'm just not hungry. I don't know it there's something wrong with me or what.

On Monday I was really dissociated and so that's the reason I didn't eat much then, but the rest of the week, I'm not sure...

Is there something wrong with me???

Re: Possible start of an eating disorder...?

I think that if you aren't hungry you shouldn't really be worried, because it happens to everyone. Usually when I'm not hungry it lasts for a few weeks, like 3 or 4, then my hunger goes back to normal.

You should be worried if you DON'T WANT TO eat.

That's what I think, but it's better if you listen to the opinion of people that have had an eating disorder.

Re: Possible start of an eating disorder...?

Hello again fellow Bobbie! There's either an advantage or disadvantage of sharing that 'Great' name with me, as I recall with even greater clarity your particular stuff.

So, as I recall, you're about to have your very first therapy session, yay! Before you do anything, or jump to any conclusions, put this issue on the agenda for therapy! Maybe even keep a little journal or diary so you can express all this stuff and get it out, and also have handy reference for that therapy!

FWIW, I envy that doc of yours for having such a motivated person in the room there (you!), who comes so prepared to do the work.

Let me know how it goes.

Re: Possible start of an eating disorder...?

Thanks Dr. Bobby :)

First session was good. It was mostly introductions and what's going to happen during sessions. My new therapist is very nice. :)

Re: Possible start of an eating disorder...?

When we're stressed out about something, or have a lot of things going on.. we tend to not be hungry. Also, some people who are depressed lack appetite, where as others have a very active one. I don't think you're anorexic. People who suffer from anorexia have something else in their life going on, causing them to want to starve themselves. It's a way to gain control when they feel they lack it in other areas of their lives. Someone with Anorexia has severe insecurities, and anxiety. They have very low self esteem. Those who have it, don't eat because they aren't hungry.. they don't eat because they have a huge fear that they'll gain weight from it. Though, I'm not a doctor.. I can almost guarantee you (from what you've described here), that you don't have an Eating Disorder.

Your friend Stevie, sounds great.. but he, like any of us on here, isn't a doctor, and should not be diagnosing you. He should be encouraging you to see a doctor about this issue. They're licensed doctors and can really aid in helping you curve this issue. Stevie as a supporter is awesome. We all need support. Also, someone genuinely caring about you is nice too. Keep getting support from him. Keep letting him help you. You're not alone in this issue. I would also talk to your parents for support. Parents often times have a wealth of knowledge that us teens don't! Plus, they're worried about you too, and can help you get the help you need.

In short, I think you should see a doctor. Not eating can cause a lot of health problems for you. Depriving yourself of nutrients will result in your immune system potentially declining. If you're simply not hungry, a doctor can tell you what foods you can/should eat so that you can retain and gain nutrients. Also, they can refer you to a nutritionist as well. They specialize in diets for people with all sorts of different backgrounds. They'll create a healthy diet for you based on multiple factors. Your job is just to stick to it!

Hope this helped!
Take care,
-Lyndsee