How can you tell your parents you think you're anorexic?

Question

I really think I am. I know I need help but it's embarrising to tell them. How do I tell them?

Answer 1

Anorexia is a control issue. One of the symptoms is denial. You can be underweight without being anorexic. Depression will also put a damper on appetite. Hyperthyroidism will keep you underweight too. Definitely say something to your parents and find out what's wrong.

Answer 2

The best way to tell anything is to tell through a family or relative. you tell it to them in advance and ask them to enquire from you and parents in presense of your parents as it they have found it themselves. Your problem will be solved and your parents will take care of the rest.

Now - Anorexic means -

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes an eating disorder characterized by low body weight and body image distortion. Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs. It primarily affects young adolescent girls in the Western world and has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric condition, with approximately 10% of people diagnosed with the condition eventually dying due to related factors according to some studies. Anorexia nervosa is thought to be a complex condition, involving psychological, neurobiological, physiological and sociological components.

Anorexia is known to be a life threatening condition that can put a serious strain on many of the body's organs and physiological resources. A recent review of the scientific literature outlined a number of reliable findings in this area. Anorexia puts a particular strain on the structure and function of the heart and cardiovascular system, with slow heart rate (bradycardia) and elongation of the QT interval seen early on. People with anorexia typically have a disturbed electrolyte imbalance, particularly low levels of phosphate which has been linked to heart failure, muscle weakness, immune dysfunction, and ultimately, death. Those who develop anorexia before adulthood may suffer stunted growth and subsequent low levels of essential hormones (including sex hormones) and chronically increased cortisol levels. Osteoporosis can also develop as a result of anorexia in 38-50% of cases, as poor nutrition lead to the retarded growth of essential bone structure and low bone mineral density.

Furthermore, changes in brain structure and function are noted as early signs of the condition. Enlargement of the ventricles of the brain is thought to be associated with starvation, and is partially reversed when normal weight is maintained.
anorexia is also linked to reduced blood flow in the temporal lobes, although as this finding does not correlate with current weight, it is possible that it is a risk trait, rather than an effect of starvation

Answer 3

You simply tell them. "I think I'm anorexic." Then add: "Can you help me?" Wait for their response.

If you are anorexic, this will not come as a surprise to them. If they are good parents, they WILL help you.

Answer 4

Be truthful. They will find out when your eating habits aren't like they should be(normal). They will probably get you in to see the doctor ASAP.


Thanks,

Beverly S.