What are the best first steps in dealing with an eating disorder?

Question

I have diabetes, as well as a eating disorder. I don't know that what to do. I'm still waiting to get some help from a professional about it. I suffer from chronic depression also.

My doctor did refer me to a clinic. The clinic took a while to get back to me and when I asked them about getting an appointment, they told me that as I don't have anorexia, (I have non purging bulimia nervosa), I wasn't a priority as I'm not going to be dying any time soon. (I'm also obese, so in a way I can see their point). A long time on and I'm STILL waiting for an appointment. I don't have health insurance and can't afford private counselling.

I'm female. Depression came first I think, as psychs have told me I've been depressed since I was about 4. There are issues as to why, but won't go into that here. I've always been overweight, since I was a kid. I've been diabetic about 5-6 years. Have tried counselling on and off for a number of years, but still have chronic depression.

Answer 1

I'm assuming that by non-purging bulimia you are stating that you starve yourself for a period of time and then binge on all the stuff that is bad for us all, but even worse for those of us suffering from diabetes.

My question to you is first what came first diabetes, obesity, the starving and binging, or the depression. You do not say if you are male or female or I may have missed that. I ask this because the question is whether your depressed because of the weight or if you are overweight because you are depressed. This is very important to know in order to decide what will work for you.

I am not surprised the clinic didn't feel they could help you because people who are overweight or morbidly obsese are not yet really classified as having an eating disorder and while anorexia and bulimia are considered to be disorders in which the patient is trying to control and structure life, us overweight people often feel out of control in our difficulties and the mental health and medical community see it as an issue of being out of control or a lack of willingness to control ourselves.

I would suggest not necessarily going to a medical doctor for help or an "eating disorders" clinic for help but going to what is called a lead or local mental health agency in your area and asking to be seen for some individual counseling to identify what is going on for you emotionally( they agencies are granted money from the federal government and the state to provide mental health treatment to uninsured or underinsured persons, the fee will be minimal if any. There are many therapist out there now who see the connection with the mind and body and the terrible cycle it can cause. You my friend are dealing with a lot, diabetes can cause a decrease in mood based on the fluctuating sugar, poor eating habits will do the same, and depression will not help you to change that pattern.

I am never one to jump to a magic pill but Welbutrin (a medication that many clinics have samples of or is low cost at the pharmacy) has been known to improve mood, lower desire for smoking and to help people loose weight because of the way it works within the body.

if you need further help on finding someone you may email me.

Answer 2

You have taken the first step by recognizing that you have a problem. Well done.

Which professional body are you seeking help from? Hopefully your family Doctor, who will refer you on.

Your question shows that you are well aware that your health is compromised on two fronts - the diabetes as well as the eating disorder - and there is no doubt that the depression is linked to both. If you don't hear something soon about an appointment with an appropriate clinic, phone to find out what's happening. Let them know how desperate you are feeling. Hang on in there. I do hope that the New Year brings some answers to your difficulties.

Answer 3

Oh I DO understand where you are coming from... When life has so many challenges (problems) to deal with I am finding that one thing at a time is the best way.

Make a plan for today... one thing that you know you can do. Then tomorrow set another plan. And find a way of recording your successes and failures. If you succeed PRAISE yourself because a minor success is good, even if it is one thing on one day. I used to use a chart on the wall (to stop myself eating to celebrate). I'd mark it so that I could see what my trends were. Now I use a diary, its more private.

So your plan today might be to eat no chocolate today. If you succeed you could continue that plan for a week and then re-evaluate. But don't undo your good work by eating in celebration...find something else to reward yourself. I found it gets easier over time. I crave chocolate less often and I can overcome that craving by having no chocolate more often, and I reward myself by improving my blood sugar. Sometimes I can't overcome the craving and I do eat chocolate but I have a strict ruling that I only buy single small bars because I know that if my down times get really bad I will eat all the chocolate I can get my hands on and make myself really ill.

In the early days I recorded in my diary what made me depressed or binge. It helped me to understand why I ate and eventually I began to understand myself better.

Its not easy and there will be days or periods when you fail. Don't beat yourself up over it..accept it, learn from it, move on, set a new plan.

Good luck

Answer 4

Diabetes is a condition where there is lack or malfunction of insulin or insulin receptors. Insulin is the chemical that opens the door of the cells so that sugar can get through. If it is lacking the sugar will accumulate in your blood giving you the condition called diabetes. The best is to eat less since your body is not handling sugar normally. it will just give you trouble your kidney will be overworked taking sugar out of your body through urine, and your blood will be viscid and make circulation difficult. Exercis wiill help you lower your blood sugar through another hormeone that is secreted during exercise. There are moreinformations about diabetes. Surf more.

Answer 5

Check your area to see if they have support groups for individuals with eating disorders. You need to try to maintain your blood sugar lebel so you won't get sick....I know it will be hard but you can do it! Try sectioning your food on your plate, or cutting your food into small pieces before eating. Also, drink a lot of water before you eat a meal. (I'm taking that you binge eat).This might help with how you full you feel before fully finishing your meal. Adding a lot water will not only let you feel full naturally, but it will help you lose weight. Hope this helps! Rememeber: look for free support groups in your area. Good Luck, and YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!

Answer 6

The First step is telling someone you trust deeply. You already have the "admitting to yourself that you have a problem" part done so congratulations. And the next step would be going to see a professional i.e. a doctor, a physician.

Hope I was of some help.



good luck!

Answer 7

Having diabetes and an eating disorder is not healthy...you need help if you want to live....you need to see a psych, or doctor ASAP

Answer 8

Holy ****.
That;s alot to be dealing with.

Eating disorder is caused by your depression and the diabetes is caused by your eating disorder.

Answer 9

Been through all of them. Conquered them all. Built a free website just for folks like you. Here are the applicable pages:

Depression: http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/AntidepressantThatWorks.html
Diabetes: http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/Type_II_Diabetes.html
Eating disorder: http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/weightloss.html