i have a friend who has started eating a bath sponge is this harmful? should i take him somewhere about this?

Question

my friend is needing love and attention but doesnt get any at home he is 19 years old i am worried about him could there be any psychological reason he is doing this

Answer 1

is his name Bob ?

Answer 2

NO--it will pass. When he gets finished with the sponge. Give him the big mint in the urinal -- take care of his bad breath... He does things for attentions--cause they don't love him at home--what he says. Dad never took him to the circus... ... Find a new friend---I have the feeling he was kicked out to become a man or he is a drug addict and has done some time.... Press on with you life and get away from him---before he starts borrowing money--- you'll never see again....
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Answer 3

I would say its his way of trying to get attention or to prompt someone to ask what is troubling him,he cant find it in him or hasn'nt the words to say what he wants to say and needs to have someone more or less drag it out of him,he might notknow exactly what it is but he knows there is something wrong he needs to deal with,eating the sponge is getting the attention so he does want to go further,its just that its all he can think of to make a start,take him somewhere,a doctor is a start,he's not mad,he's young and hurt and doesnt know how to deal with it.

Answer 4

I had an older friend who refused to take showers or baths, and would just do a sponge bath. Despite this, he was fairly clean. He felt that baths were hard on his skin in certain spots, and a sponge bath did a better job of cleaning. His feet were especially a problem, and he had to wash those carefully. It sounds like your friend has other issues, but I believe there are realistic reasons for doing this in some cases.

Answer 5

My friend ate bath sponges when she was pregnant and the doctor said it was a common craving and was a result of changes in hormones and metabolism. I'm guessing he's not pregnant but the same rules may apply, i think you should suggest a trip to the docs with you there as support.

Answer 6

Yeah, eating bath sponges is not typical behavior. I would get him to talk about it or have him see a doctor. That is a first for me. I have never heard of anyone eating bath sponges before at the age of 19.

Answer 7

peco, peca, something like this it happens sometimes to people, or pregnant women when they have an urge to eat something that is not food.. i have heard of some people eating dirt, or paper, or sand, even soap. its kinda weird. and yes he should talk to someone, this is just a symptom of another issue, depression or otherwise.. yes it is all harmful because the body cannot digest foreign objects, it will cause a blockage even death if left in there too long. some people will drink chemicals, knowing full well its poisen, but seem to have the urge anyway.. strange, call ia doc.

Answer 8

He needs to go to a doctor. Not because he isn't getting attention at home, but because his body is obviously lacking something. There is a name for the condition that causes a person to eat non food items, but I can't remember what it is. Anyway a doctor can help him, because it is physiological, not psychological.

Answer 9

Is it a new sponge if so it might be alright but he or she could choke on the sponge so maybe make your friend eat small bits at a time.

Answer 10

I have a friend who eats pieces of chalk, she craves it and it's like a comforter to her. She did lose her son a few years ago so I think it might be connected in her mind. She went to the docs. but as usual got given antidepressants which she has with a piece of chalk [true]. I feel helpless but I support her. That's all you can do. good luck lol

Answer 11

Yes, this is harmful and yes there is a reason he is doing this. He wants attention. So take him to a doctor and tell him he is a special person as he is your friend.