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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/am i, or could i be anorexic?

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 12/29/2010


Question
hello, i'm getting rather worried as i shiver alot (it is getting rather strong as it is winter), and looking rather bony, and lots of girls and family members have told me i am too thin. the nurse even rang my mother and asks her what i am eating and i feel very conscios when i am eating around others, i am getting obsessed with clories, weight and BMI, i throw away or throw out my food out of the window i feel when i eat i might not stop. i look in the mirror and im not pleased i still feel i need to loose more. when i see a thin person i get jealous and feel like not eating and im becoming run down and sometimes sad about it. it is taking over my life. i dont feel anorexia is good and i dont want to loose my hair and have all the bad side effects, i am 14 years old, i havent started my period (people say maybe my weight is why) and i am 6 stone (height 5 foot 2), please help me to control my weight and stay thin and whether you think i am or could be annorexic, many thanks,

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Natasha,

I'm so sorry to say that you have all of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa.  Eating disorders are stress related conditions.  I'm wondering what else other than thinking about your body size and food could be causing you stress right now.

You are very thin -- dangerously so.  Anorexics have the highest death rate of any diagnosis.  20% of all anorexics die.  

What did your mom have to say?  I'd like just a little more information then you and I can figure out what you need.  Professional help of some kind for sure.

Write me back soon!

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Owner
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
1-888-520-1700

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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