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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/I Don't Know If I Have A Eating Disorder Or Not

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 8/6/2009


Question
Hi, my name is Korena and I'm 13. I don't know if I have a eating disorder or not, and i want to know because I do want to get help if I do. I've made myself vomit once, and will never do it again, but I'm constantly starving myself because I'm just not happy with the way I look. I'm really active, I do lots of school activities and sports, like softball, volleyball, dance, swimming, tennis, and soccer! I'm just not happy. What do I do?!

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Korena,

I'm so glad that you wrote!  It's wonderful when kids check things out so they can take care of themselves!  The bulimia bit -- I'm so glad you didn't like that!  But the starving yourself has me concerned.  I don't know your height and weight, but you are so active that you need the best food you can get.  See if your mom can take you to a good nutritionist and maybe even a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.
Once again, I'm so glad to hear from you!  Let me know if I can help!!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com

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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