I think my friend may have an eating disorder. For about 8 months now, she has complained about feeling ill all the time. She has symptoms such as 'sore kidneys'(which she has seen the doctor about), often feeling cold all over, swollen glands and throat infections and being sick. She doesn't eat a proper breakfast or lunch, but stuffs her face around dinner time. She never does it when i'm there, but she tells me she keeps throwing up. We have only been back at school a few weeks, and it is only since then she has suddenly started being sick and feeling ill. I've asked her but she insists nothing else is wrong. What do you think?
2006-09-06 11:41:22 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
I'd talk with her and encourage her to seek treatment. Here's an article for helping a friend or family member with an eating disorder: http://www.edreferral.com/helping_loved_ones.htm
I would encourage her to seek help--at whatever level of care is comfortable for her. She really needs to be medically monitored and to have a therapist. If she's open to it (which I am guessing she isn't), a nutritionist and support group would be helpful too. She would also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist and being evaluated for medication.
Here are 2 links for ED info and treatment resources (therapists, nutritionists, inpatient facilities, etc.):
http://www.something-fishy.org/treatmentfinder/
http://www.edreferral.com
2006-09-07 06:52:19 · answer #1 · answered by EDtherapist 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She needs to see a doctor and have a thorough examination, blood work, tests, etc. She has an eating disorder if she is starving herself all day and then putting sudden demands on her system by gorging in the evening.
Unfortunately, it is very hard to get people to see the bad side of this. Nobody could talk get Karen Carpenter to help herself. When a person is determined that their poor eating habits are the right way, they will fight to stay like that.
Have other friends noticed this? Perhaps you need to get a couple of other close friends and approach her gently, and let her know that you are concerned. You will likely get a lot of denial, but there is definitely something that is causing her to act like this.
Is she like this for most of the time, or only since school started again? Maybe she has a dislike or fear of school, or being around people, and maybe this is her way of coping, or maybe punishing herself. In any event, it sounds like she needs some serious help. Good luck.
2006-09-06 18:50:17 · answer #2 · answered by LaRue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I eat like that too. I'm no anarexic or bulimenic or whatever. I'm actually pretty in shape. Now, with the being sick thing, I'm not sure. She may just get sick alot. I have a friend that is out of school atleast 4 times every 10 days because he's sick. So, all depends. Might help if you just ask her straight. Check her ribs too. If they're sticking out, that's a sign.
2006-09-06 18:44:46 · answer #3 · answered by Poopdragon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You’re a good friend! My feelings are mixed about eating disorders... If she is telling you that she is throw'n up she either wants help or attention... You being her friend, and a kid needing to concentrate on school, don't need to take the burden of this alone. If she is telling you this you need to involve an adult like a counselor where the info you tell is confidential and they cannot use your name! You don't have the burden of worrying about her finding out you told. BUT the counselor can be in charge of confronting her or monitoring her physical and emotional health and making sure she gets help if needed!
2006-09-06 19:03:59 · answer #4 · answered by Trisha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like she does. She should see a better doctor.
2006-09-06 18:47:51 · answer #5 · answered by alcachofita 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think she has Bulimia.
2006-09-06 18:51:36 · answer #6 · answered by Caroline H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what does thet have to do with the eyes?
2006-09-06 18:43:19 · answer #7 · answered by Valley Mental Health tooele Utah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋