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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Control, or lack of it?
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Question
Hello, Im 34 years old and I have schizzoaffective disorder. I gave up smoking over a week ago, and have been so afraid of using food as a substitute, that I have stopped eating also. I have lost 11 lbs in just over the week, and love the feeling that I can control at least a couple of things in my life. I had problems with food and diets when I was younger and am wondering if im at risk of developing an eating disorder because of my current mental health problems. Although I feel sick and dizzy with lack of food, I dont seem to care about the possible damage that could result, should I tell my psychiatrist when I next see him? thank you in advance, and thanks for your time.
Dear Gail,
I want to thank you so much for writing and I want to congratulate you for reaching out! It's hard to do!
By all means talk to your psychiatrist about this. What happens when you don't eat is that you get even more numb -- and it can be quite dangerous for you with all of your other issues.
Talk to your psychiatrist about other things you can learn to control in your life other than food -- there are many! You are quite correct in that a lot of damage could result! You're very aware and that makes me feel so much hope for you.
Let me know how you do!
Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Recovery Programs
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
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Answers by Expert:
Jeanne Rust, PhD
Expertise
I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.
Experience
I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.
Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA
Masters in Counseling
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute
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