You are here:

Anorexia/Eating Disorders/anorexia treatment and dealing with parents

Advertisement

Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 10/18/2009


Question
my friend knew i was Ana and told her sister figuring she could help.she asked her sister not to tell her parents or mine.her sister told her mom.now her mom is telling my parents this week.and the girl's sister is telling my sister.i don't know what to do because i am scared on how my parents will react.they may not believe them and think i just want attention,because when i do eat i make sure to do it in front of my parents and i haven't had a dramatic drop in weight loss,i just control my weight.and i am very depressed but i fake it.how do i deal with this? like after my parents are told how do i deal with he tension in the house and how do i get them to believe i really am sick and am not looking for attention?i am a normal weight as well like 112.
i am sooo scared.
thankyou

Answer
Dear Casey,
It sounds as if there are a lot of people out there who care about you!  People who also recognize the seriousness of an eating disorder.

Your parents will know shortly -- I can really understand your fear -- and I think that it's probably time to tell your parents the truth.  The longer you try to keep in all hidden, the sicker you'll get!

You're not looking for attention -- you're ill and you need help!!  Just say your truth, Casey.

Please let me know what you do!!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com  

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.