I think I have an eating disorder. How do I tell my parents so I can get help?

Question

I'm 14 at the moment, 15 in 11 days, and I'm pretty sure I have an eating disorder.

I sometimes eat a bowl of cereal in the morning, but don't eat anything else until I go bed, except maybe an apple. I don't eat my dinner, I avoid it altogether. I say I'll eat it later, to my parents, and then leave it.
Some days I just don't eat at all. And I always go out and walk down the fields in circle until I burn 500-600 cals on my pedometer. I do 1200 sit-ups on my ab-machine every other night. I always obsess about how I look, and it makes me depressed a lot, too. I also just hate myself for eating food if I end up having to eat dinner.
I just want help so I can talk to someone and get back to normal.
How do I tell my parents so they can get me help?

I also have OCD, which they know about, although it's a lot better than it used to be. If that matters?

Answer 1

I think you need to tell them bluntly here as in the words: mum, dad i have a eating disorder. that's easier said than done though so you could always try writing a note or email or something to them, I'm sure they will just be pleased you are asking for help from them.

Answer 2

Show them your question on here and maybe ask what they would do if it was you - then you can probably ask for help...

Whatever you do, you DO need help - do you not have a favourite teacher or friends mum who you could confide in and they may even go with you to speak to your parents?

You're already a good way there to getting help as admitting you have a problem is a mighty big step forward. Please follow it through.

As for your OCD - this has probably been helping (!) you in not eating, but obviously not in a good way as the resolve you feel when you suffer from OCD means you will go to any length to achieve your goal - even if the goal is wrong in the first place.

Whatever happens, good luck to you and please take that next step. You are so brave - I wish you all the luck in the world.

Mojo
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Answer 3

I have Bipolar disorder and my Uncle has schizophrenia. We are not surprised, but we are very saddened when someone in our family becomes ill. My younger 17 year old sister was overweight as a young girl and she suddenly became extremely OCD when she was fourteen. She was eating less, hiding all kinds of feelings and emotions, and purging. My mother already knowing that changes in behavior, that are dramatic, can be serious for young people. So she took the initiative to hold my sister accountable. In a kind way. She said you'd need to learn to be healthy by eating healthy or we won't do this. My Sis, with all our help has become a true vegan, exercises, purges on rare bases, and has helped our whole family to eat healthier. This is one way I know you can gain control. Tell your parents you have a problem and that it makes you confident to learn with everybody to eat healthier, you know researching recipes, YOU making meals, it would help you. It has my sister. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I think it is very important that you sit down and talk to your parents about this and get the help you need. I wish I would of talked to my parent about mine when I was a teenager because now I am an Adult and still have the same problem.I feel guilty when I eat and skip meals alot it has taken a hard toll on my body.Be strong and lay it all out to your parents you will feel so much better getting it out in the open. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Just give it to them straight, and don't hesitate. You should get help before it gets worse. They have a lot of good programs out there that they can put you in. You shouldn't be scared or nervous to ask them because they are your parents, they love you, and they want what is best for you. And it's for the sake of your health too. Just sit them down one day and say "Mom, Dad, I think I have a problem." and go on from there. They'll want you to get better, they shouldn't get angry either. It will all be ok, just tell them.

And go eat another bowl of cereal =]

Answer 6

See it like this, if you do not tell them, you might get really sick. Eventually, they will find out so its better if you gather up the nerves and tell them. I know that its hard, but an eating disorder is pretty serious. Also, if you want, get one of your parent that you are more comfortable with and tell him/her first and then go on from there. If you can't do that, then write it to them in a form of a letter. Just remember that they love you and that they'll just want to help their child. good luck in whatever that you choose to do because I know that no matter what you choose to do, it will be hard. Power to you if you do decide to do it.

Answer 7

I'm sure your parents would rather know what you are going through and they will be able to help you get through it. Sit down and just broach the subject of food and go from there. You need to get help before your eating disorder gets worse.

However, if you can't easily speak to your parents speak to your doctor who should be able to help you find a way to tell them.

I wish you loads of luck and hope that you can start to get on the road to recovery soon **

Answer 8

YES YES YES..Talk to your parents..does sound like you have a eating disorder. You can't do this alone and remember a lot of people die because of this disorder..You have to go to a doctor that specializes in this..I don't know how much you weight but ask your true friends how you look. Being too skinny is not pretty. Most guys like a shape.

Answer 9

Your description is right on as far as eating disorder behavior goes. I respect you for your honesty and sincere interest in getting help.

If your parents have helped you deal with OCD, then it's probably safe to say they will get you the help you need in order to get and stay healthy. Think of them as your greatest allies and that you can feel safe confiding this painful behavior to them.

I suffered from anorexia, beginning at age 14, off and on for years. I wish I had been as intelligent and brave as you. Go ahead, just talk to your parents. You won't regret it.

Answer 10

Let me tell you sweetie, holding a secret like that hurts you more than just letting someone know whats going on! Its great that you want help...kudos to you...youve got the hardest part out of the way and thats admitting to self that HEY...somethings not right! If its hard for you to have oral communication and you feel intimidated, nothing gets throughbetter than a hand written letter! Trust me...