Expert: Ryan Hale - 4/23/2009

Question
ok well i kinda have a problem and ill admit to that like i don't eat some days and the days that i do i end up throwing up whenever i eat. like i would say 2 to 3 days out of the week i don't even eat but then the other days i do eat and so i end up getting all bladed and i feel so fat afterwards and so i throw it all up, today ive throwed up 3 times already cuz its been one of those days where i have an appetite. i don't know what to do? like i weigh a 105 pounds and i keep losing little by little i just feel so fat still and every 5 pounds i lose it just becomes another 5 pounds i want to lose

Answer
Jackie- it was very smart of you to contact someone about your situation.  It is a very serious problem you have.  I am wondering what is going on in your life that may be pushing you toward this behavior.  Many people in your situation have had a history of abuse at some point.  Something like physical or emotional abuse or even a boyfriend pushing you to do things you may not be that comfortable with is quite common.  Sometimes it is a parental situation that lends itself to the problem.  Often there is a situation of feeling totally out of control with school, at home, with life and that adds to the situation.  That is why it is important to seek out help for those areas of your life and not just the eating end of it.

If you have problems at school, with friends, family or other relationships, a good counselor can help. It is especially helpful to find someone who has experience with eating disorders.  Your school counselor can help get that ball rolling.  You can even talk to the school nurse, your family doctor, or a teacher.  Don't freak out about seeing a psychologist...there are a lot of people who have and you just don't know it.  Also, it's not "just all in your head" the therapist can help you with the other aspects of your life that I just mentioned earlier.  Also, if you give it time and try to develop a relationship with a counselor but it just isn't happening, try another or another until you do.

Eating disorders are a problem that take many different people to help, doctor, nutritionist, counselor, and your family and friends.  So, there will be a lot of help along the way.

Also, the process of recovery will help you realize food is fuel for your body to do all the things you want so you can lead an extraordinary life.  Seeing food in a different way will help too.  I like to encourage people to look into their own religion or a religion that interests you...or if you prefer, get way into the environment and nature or something like yoga and what it teaches.  By doing so, you will begin to realize that you are a beautiful creation who is worthy of treating yourself with dignity and respect.  You will realize that you are here for a purpose and that every day you are given the opportunity to help yourself and others.  Think about doing that please.

Please promise me you will start to get things going by taking just one step toward a better way of living and talk to someone at school, your family's doctor or someone at a community medical center and agree to start talking to someone about the things that may be contributing to this problem.  You were right to seek someone out right now, please go the next step and talk to someone whom I've mentioned...you're worth it!