How do you help yourself overcome an eating disorder?....?

Question

The problem is, I know I probably have an eating disorder. Its most likely mild bulimia....I don't purge, but at times I restrict my eating (to the point where I'm about to pass out), I have used and still sometimes use diet pills, and laxitives. I'm also extremely scared of gaining weight and I'm mad because I don't lose weight (I stay within the same range). I'm a psychologist in the schools (go figure) so I know what to do to overcome it...however, because I know what to do I won't do it. I know it would cause me to gain weight (which I don't want) and I think I know where my disorder is stemming from...Help! what do I do?

I've seen shows and pictures of anorexics/bulimics...and I almost feel a little jealous. I also tend to learn more about food restriction. I've seen the extreme anorexic, and I know I don't want that (I'm a psychologist remember so I know thats "not good").

Answer 1

A fewf things which you said that concern me...

1) You know that you *probably* have an eating disorder. Well according to the DSM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anorexia_nervosa
you fit the anorexia criteria quite nicely, but bulimia? Not so much (the key word in that diagnosis is binge). Keep in mind that any criteria are somewhat arbitrary, and the most important thing is that you are able to function normally as a happy and healthy individual...and you are not. You must address this.

You are perfectly capable of researching that yourself. Why didn't you do that instead? And why are you using the term *probably*? My guess is that...

a) You are afraid to fully admit that you have a problem because fully accepting it would force you to make a decision to change or remain ill for the rest of your life.
b) The anonymity further detaches you from both responsibility for your own actions and accepting that you have a problem.

I'm really glad for you that you are starting to recognize that you have a problem. Now just practice telling yourself "I do have an eating disorder, it is hurting me, and I must do something about it."

2) Now this is the telling line "so I know what to do to overcome it...however, because I know what to do I won't do it."

You are clear as day stating that you are not willing to get well. If there is anything that is going to prevent you from overcoming an eating disorder, it is REFUSING to overcome your eating disorder. Do you understand how absurd that sounds in the context of your question? What would you tell a client who said this to you? A friend? Be honest with yourself. You are not an exception, and your case is not unique. Treat yourself how you would want people you care about to treat themselves. You deserve as much love, concern and respect as any other person out there.

3) Understanding where your disorder stems from may be acting as more of a reason - an excuse if you will than a route to health (for ex. I blamed my mother's criticisms for my behavior, and I'd often thought about how it explains why I'm so messed up - as a way to be absolved of responsibility for my own actions).

Your past certainly is something that you should deal with at some point, but it would be far more helpful to tackle the present - your cognitions and behavior as they occur, rather than explaining them. Insight is great, but it isn't changing anything.

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My advice to you
1) A nutritionist/fitness trainer will be able to come up with a plan that will work with your metabolism to limit - or even prevent weight gain. Exercise will be a big part of this. If you are anything like I was, I didn't exercise because I was too weak from not eating. If you start exercising as you gradually introduce nutritional food into your diet your metabolism will learn to work efficiently again so that you don't gain a lot. Your doctor can refer you.

Keep reminding yourself why you are doing this. If it makes you feel better, I didn't gain much more weight than I needed to look healthy, and I lost the excess once my metabolism kicked in. The new energy felt amazing! Now that I am healthy I DON'T WANT to have a stomach that caves in, jaundiced skin, and knees that appear to be bent inwards. No more anxious obsessing. I feel at peace with myself, and I look and feel better.

2) Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment. It is so different from other types of therapy, that other types will not suffice. You will need a specifically trained behavioral therapist.

3) Support groups will help you more than you think. I was skeptical and embarrassed, but I got over it. Knowing others going through the same experience as you is really important as you go through the stages of recovery. Even online support groups can be helpful.

4) Talk to your family doctor about getting a referral to a psychiatrist to determine whether any medications will be helpful for you.

Change will not necessarily come quickly, and you will have to use a lot of strength and willpower to overcome these self-destructive cognitions and behaviors, but it can be done, but YOU must take action to change. Start your transformation today. You will not regret it. I don't.

Answer 2

Just so you have the entire complement of answers.... I don't believe that true recovery can ever take place even with intervention. Eating disorders are addictive behaviour. Addictive behaviour is a behaviour that a person begins in order to avoid the emotional stuff that needs to be looked at. One might stop throwing up, or cutting or shopping or drinking or drugging... merely to take up a different behaviour in order to avoid the same old stuff. It is possible to change behaviour. Start choosing what you want and then take steps to achieving that goal. This is not what other people tell you you should want, it's about what YOU want. Once you get on that path toward self determination, you may have an easier time of stopping that addictive pattern. I haven't overcome my eating behaviour. I am a healthy weight now, but I still obsess, I still worry, I still have esteem issues. I am 50. I am generally happy and secure.

Answer 3

Hey I have the same prob!!
Try reading som inspirational books like:
Wasted a memoir of anorexia and bulimia <---currently reading myself
Diary of an Anorexic Girl, by Morgan Menzie
Perfect, by Natasha Fiend

try looking up inspirational stories online or check yourself into a counselor.
The more you study your disorder and your thoughts, the more you will be able to understand the way you act and then maybe overcome this hell of a disease.

you can definatly email me if you need too.
take care of yourself <3

Answer 4

I think the best thing to do would be to seek help from a counselor that specializes in eating disorders. Eating disorders are very difficult to overcome, I think nearly impossible without help. Don't delay any longer! Get help as soon as possible.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

Obviously helping yourself isn't working. See a clinical psychologist that specializes in eating disorders and deal with the root of the problem. You have a professional and ethical obligation to seek treatment, and more importantly, you owe it to yourself.

Answer 6

First you need to understand the basics. You are not this body.IE, Race, color, nationality, body size, job, mind, intellect, senses, etc. You are eternal spirit soul, part and parcel of the supreme soul, also known as Krishna, Jehovah, Vishnu, Allah, Etc. As long as one is on the bodily concept of life they will have all kinds of addictions and afflictions and mental illnesses. If one wants to come to their constitutional position as spirit soul and be truly happy and transcend all of the above Read Bhagavad Gita as it is By Bhaktivedanta Tells how. Also chant the Maha mantra which is the quickest method of getting in touch with your real self. go to harekrishnatemple.c It works.

Answer 7

As a psychologist, you should know that you need the support of your network of people -- friends, family, etc., as well as professional help. You shouldn't try to go down this road alone, since you can't be objective about yourself.

Answer 8

You can't do this on your own. Get some help from someone versed in this particular problem and also join a support group. Take care, you can over come this.

Answer 9

qadsx

Answer 10

You are anorexic.



Maybe this will help.
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0geu7fynONFdkQA0FhXNyoA?ei=UTF-8&fr=ybr_vzn&p=anorexia&fr2=tab-web