Expert: Reverend Abbott - 7/19/2005

Question
As much as I hate to admit this, I think I am in danger of developing an eating disorder. I have lost about 15 pounds in about 2 1/2 months. I force myself to eat less and sometimes skip meals. This forces me to have to lie to others about what I have eaten. I check my weight usually twice a day and feel so guilty when I eat anything. I have never gone a whole day of starving myself though. I just don't give into my hunger a lot of the time. I have been researching anorexia warning signs and believe that I am in danger of delevoping anorexia. What can I do if I don't think I have it yet but think I am at high risk? Should I keep this warning signs to myself because I can't actually say I have an eating disorder? I am afraid that people will think I am making it all up if I don't actually have full blown anorexia. What are my options? Should I talk to someone, and if so who? or should i weight it out (no pun intended) and see if I snap out of it? Please help!! Thanks!!!

Answer
Heather, you sound like a very smart, insightful woman who knows more than the average person about e.d.'s. This will likely save your life. I commend you!!!!!
Anorexia, as you probably know, is a psychological disorder rather than really about "food" or eating. It's about control, usually lack of it in other areas of your life. Many anorexics have suffered some kind of childhood abuse, whether physical and/or emotional/mental, or a combination. They are generally overachievers in life, perfectionists. Many are "neat freaks" or at least go through binges of cleaning and organizing. Anorexics tend to keep mementoes. They'll have a collection of things they've taken, often from people's houses, but not unusually from stores and restaurants. This collection can change frequently, being spoons at one time, straws at another time, even jewelery or clothes.
  Anorexia is the number ONE most fatal of all known psychological disorders.

Now, for the good news. You see the problem early. Forget telling friends or family if you don't think they'll take you seriously. You need support, not frustration or disbelief. The people who WILL take you seriously are others in the same boat. Find a support group and start going. Now. Like today. For real.
 Call your local hospitals' mental health centers for information about free, low cost or insurance covered groups for e.d.'s, focusing on anorexia. If no luck there, call your doctor's office, call EVERY doctor's office.  Sometimes it's in the yellow pages, other times it'll be listed under community events/support groups in your local newspaper.

Finally - my site has even more info about anorexia and could possibly provide options in your specific area. I sell nothing, promote nothing and endorse nothing.

www.GetTheReal.Info

You can email me anytime here or from my site. One thing you can be sure of is YOU. Another thing you can be sure of is me. I'm here for you.