How should I tell my family that I have an eating disorder?

Question

I've had issues with weight and food my whole life, but I've never made it apparent with my family because it usually just comes and goes in cycles. But since this summer it's been the worse it has ever been before. I got addicted to diet pills(prescribed kind that I got sorta blackmarket style)and started restricing/starving, abusing laxatives and chewing and spitting food into baggies when my parents were sleeping. I went from 140-110 pounds(i'm 5'1") in a little under 6 months and my parents think it's just because I was stressed at school.
I Know I have a really big problem and need help, I'm just afraid I won't be taken seriously. I'm not underweight and my parents see me eat whenever I do eat so I feel like they won't really think I have a serious problem and won't give me the kind of treatment I NEED.

How should I approach my family about my problem?

Answer 1

Sit them down and tell them what you just said.

Answer 2

If they thought you were losing weight because you were stressed, then they are already aware that there may be a problem. It might be easiest to write things down. Write a letter to your parents. Then sit down and talk to them. If the words don't come, give them the letter.

There are different reasons that people end up with eating disorders, as well as addictions, and self-destructive behavior. You are an individual. You are unique. The current theory behind eating disorders is that it is a form of control; that food is the only thing in your life that you can control. Another popular theory is that people with eating disorders have a skewed view of what they actually look like (they think they are fat). There are other theories as well. The important thing is that you figure out what is at the root of your problem so that you can find the right kind of help.

I have included a link to a book that I have heard good things about.

Answer 3

You need to sit your family down and let them know that your weight loss isn't from stress, and that you think you have a serious problem. Its doesn't matter if you are underweight or not. The fact of the matter is, you are sick. And you need help. Research some treatment options and share your results with them. They will be impressed with the effort that you put into getting help, and having them see how serious you are about getting help for yourself should open there eyes as well.

Answer 4

I have struggled with an eating disorder for years. Unfortunately, I didn't have the option of choosing when to tell my parents. I was in counseling that went from weekly appointments to checking myself into the hospital for a few months. Most family members don't know how to handle an eating disorder. Some try to forcefeed you, others ignore it. Maybe give them information about what exactly your eating disorder behavior is (and that your actual weight has nothing to do with the disorder - I have known bulemics that were 90 lbs and bulemics that were 200 lbs) as well as information on how they can help you, as well as what kind of treatment you would like to take part in. Explain your eating disorder behaviors, as well as what you would like to do to stop them, and how they can help. Explore different treatment options - do you homework, and make sure they see that.

Another option would be to tell them in the presence of a therapist...

Hope this helps! This is never an easy thing to deal with - I wish you the best of luck. You can get through this, with or without your family (obviously their support would help, but ultimately it is up to you). Hopefully you have friends that you can lean on as well. In some ways friends are more helpful because one of the reasons that parents don't seem to understand is because of the generation gap - eating disorders weren't seen nearly as much back then.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I am sure that if you go to your parents and ask them if you can set down and talk to them about something in a mature way they will respond to you in a supportive way. I think that the fact that you are willing to ask for help is wonderful! Asking for help is the first step in recovery. If you were my child I would feel very proud of you for coming to me.
Perhaps if you do some research and print off some information that explains eating disorders and the treatment for them they will not be to freaked out to think clearly.
Just remember that parents get emotional about anything that is hurting their children so expect some tears. But I believe that you are making a huge step toward healing and I wish you all of the luck in the world.

Answer 6

Talk to one of your favorite relatives and conference in your parents also. Consulting a physician would be a better idea too. Once the parents get a call from your doctor they will start taking this issue seriously and the much needed treatment and care will be avaialble to address this issue from all directions.

Answer 7

You need to let you family know. You need support and knowing if you have people in your corner that loves you matters! This is your health you are talking about: and if you want help you have to make the first move by going to your love ones asking for it, but as long as you keep this to yourself and your parents thinks it's only stress and you don't tell them other wise, the problem is not going to go away by avoiding it.

Answer 8

I know how hard it can be to talk to your family. I talked to my school counselor who then sat down with my parents & told them that it was a very REAL problem. Then I entered treatment. I knew I could never tell them myself & be taken seriously. Good luck honey.

Answer 9

Well, that you realize you have a problem, and want help is a very good sign. Just sit down with your parents, let them know what is going on. Let them know you need and want their help.

Answer 10

It dosn't matter you have to tell them regardless. That is a real serious issue and you shouldn't worry about how it's gonna be taken. You need help with that so just come out and tell them.

Answer 11

if you are ok with your weigh -- just be happy.

110-140 is in normal range, in my opinion.

you don't have any problem.

parents can be a pain sometimes. just tell them if you get fat no one will marry you. lol

have a chat with them. they care but don't understand.

i know parents who will wake up their kids in morning for them to have breakfast even knowing that the kid has been working all night at the call center. so stupid.