Anorexia/Eating Disorders/my health.

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 10/21/2009


Question
Im a relatively messed upp person. I've suffered from depression since I was little and have been cutting since thee age of ten. And to top things off I'm bullimic. I've been doing thee whole binge purge thing since I was 12, I'm 16 noww. And although I've got depression under control my eating disorder is out of my hands. Its almost as if I need to puke to function, to have a good day. I'm not necessarily wanting to quit...but I'm scared of thee consequences...is there anyway I can prevent thee health problems that come with this?

Answer
Dear Lindsey,

Eating disorders are coping mechanisms that people learn to use when they're under a lot of stress.  They are usually great when people first start using them but then the consequences start coming!

The only way you can prevent the medical consequences is by getting help, Lindsey, and finding another way of coping with life other than purging.

Please find a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders -- do it now while you're still young.  You can have such a wonderful life before you without an eating disorder.

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

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

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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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