Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Get my body back to health

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 11/5/2009


Question
I have been struggling with bulimia for the past 3 months. At first it started out as a form of control and now it has gotten out of hand. I have been using methods of bulimia to ensure that I don't gain weight. I feel uncomfortable with my weight even though its normal, to me it seems huge because I am 5'8, the number on the scale is more to even out with my height I suppose. I want to be really thin so badly that I'm worried I might develop anorexia. What is the best way for me to become healthy again and to safely lose a few unwanted pounds instead of becoming even more sick. I know this isn't healthy and I want to stop but I fear I might gain weight. Please help.

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Mae,

I'm so glad that you wrote!  It's hard for me to advise you without knowing your weight -- but your best bet is to see a nutritionist right now before the eating behavior gets out of hand.  Also seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders would be good preventative medicine for you right now so you can find out why your self-esteem is so dependent on your weight?  Just guessing!

Please keep in touch with me and let me know what you decide to do!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Treatment Centers
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for your kind words. I am going to see a therapist to help me understand a better way of taking care of myself. I appreciate your advice very much. Thank you


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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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