Expert: Ryan Hale - 8/23/2009

Question
I have had thoughts about throwing up my food and i have try because i have this voice in my head that is telling me it is the right thing to do, and i even feel fat and i look fat in the mirror but everyone says I'm not. do i have the mind of an anorexic or could i even become anorexic and or bulimic???

Answer
Danyelle-  whenever we do a behavior such as drink too much alcohol, gamble destructively, or participate in anorexic behavior, it's very important to ask ourselves how it changes how we feel.  If you feel inclined to purge after a meal, withhold food or feel fat, that tells me that you could have a problem that needs the attention of a therapist.  Of course we do things all the time to change how we feel right?  But if it could be harmful or dangerous, that can be a sign we need some help.  A qualified counselor or psychologist can help you with these feeling and the perceived reasons you are trying to change your feelings through disordered eating.  Often, these problems are contributed to by family and friend relationships.  A good therapist can help you sort those relationships out as well as any other situations you may be experiencing such as depression or a history of being in a controlling or abusive relationship.  Because eating disorders have a lot to do with your health, your feelings, your relationships and with those people in your life, it is a situation that needs to be attended to by someone who can also guide you to health professionals such as your doctor and a nutritionist.

A good place to start looking for a counselor is your family doctor, or, if your are in school, a school counselor or student health, you can even talk to a coach or school nurse.  There are also resources in your community such as your county health nurse or agent or your area's mental health department.  Please consider seeing someone who can help you sort through these feeling you are having and the reasons why you are attempting to change the way you feel through disordered eating.