Expert: Joanne - 1/30/2008

Question
okay...so i've never been dignosed with an ED. but my friend always says she thinks i'm anorexic...and i suppose sort ofi am. i only eat dinner-and then i dont eat much and i eat really slow&have 'weird' eating habits. but i always tell myself i'm not anorexic b/c i eat dinner. anyways...the past month i have purged almost every night after dinner...i haven't binged this month though[did alot in december;and would purge right after] i just make myself throw up most of what i eat.i've lost like 14months since january 5th. and i want help but i want to lose wieght and i'm scared of gaining weight...so i decided that during my midwinter or when i lose 12more pounds[which ever comes second] i'll try and get better on my own. if by the time i am at my total goal weight-which is 24lbs away and according to BMI would be 30lbs underweight-i have not been able to get better on my own...then i'll try another approach[poss.medical or w/e?]. my question is how do i ask for help?and who do i ask? b/c i dont think i'll get better on my own;i've tried before and it just didnt work. also;;my hair falls out ALOT when i brush it&&breaks off really easy...my skin-esp.my hands-are way dry no matter what...and i always get really dizzy.and i know those arelike;symptoms of an ED but i always try to tell myself otherwise.but really i know why :/  but i want help because i know what i'm doing is hurting me and i'm just sick of feeling the urge/need to purge after i eat anything...just dunno who to turn to.

Answer
Ayla

To end up 30lbs underweight is very dangerous!  It is called being underweight for a reason.  Any weight classed as underweight for your height comes with health risks!

You are already suffering because of these behaviours, and I would recommend that you get help before the health problems become serious!

One of the best places to ask for help is your doctor/physician.  I don't know how old you are, whether you are in school, college, etc, but if you are, talk to a teacher that you trust there.  Most schools and colleges have someone that can give you advice as where to go next, if they don't have someone that can help themselves.  If this is not the case, you Dr should be able to tell you what is available in your area.

Please go soon!  Eating disorders can be deadly, and the longer they go on, the harder they become to treat!

Joanne