Could this be an eating disorder? i think i need some help...

[Bella001]

Hello I think i need some help but im not really sure. Lately I have been having some really overwhelming thoughts especially in regards to eating. Im having some troubles trying to explain whats happening and im feel quite emotional and a little embarrassed so please forgive me if this post doesnt make much sense.

Over the past few months i have been having some troubles with food in general and i dont think its normal. I have noticed that when im feeling low or really stressed i will binge eat alot, sometimes to the point that i feel quite sick from overeating. I feel really guilty when it happens as well. The other part is that anytime i eat or drink now even if its healthy i feel really guilty over it, like i dont really deserve it and that others need it much more than i do but i just cant seem to stop 😞 . I find myself worrying about everyone else too though not just me, im constantly obsessing if others (more so my close family member) have eaten and checking in on them and if they havent i can feel so much panic and i go into some sort of 'fix it' mode where i start cooking things they might like or going to the shops and buying things and even delivering it to their house and making sure they have eaten either before i do or at the same time as me and that seems to be the only thing that stops the anxiety.

This feels really complicated and messy 😞 but if anyone could help i would really appreciate it.

[jade_m]

hey bella001.

i dont quite understand but thatsbecause ive never been in the same boat as you for me i can eat everrytime i eat big or small i feel like im going to vomit.

are you stressed about anything wich could of brung this upon you?

[Bella001]

Hi Jade M

thanks for responding, i dont really understand it either, but im not sure worrying to this extent is normal. I had spoken to someone about this before and how it affects me and how i worry about my family members as well but they didnt really say much so maybe it isnt something to worry about..

Im not all that sure what has brought this on, theres nothing out of the ordinary happening thats causing extra stress. It just seems to have built up but i cant work out what initially started these worries and emotions surrounding eating.

[MsPurple]

HI Bella and welcome to the forums

I myself have had (and still struggle at times) with eating disorders. I won't get into my story. But I know how stressful eating, worrying about food, weight and others can put a toll on you.

There are a range of eating disorders. And there is distorted eating. It can be very complicated. That's why I talked to my gp about it and they found a good psychologist that helps me deal with the thoughts that compel me to continue to do it and help me with the inner thoughs and anxiety.

Have you ever thought of the butterfly foundations. It is an eating disorder charity. they have resources online that explain different types of eating disorders and they also have support group information.

I thought I should add in some information about an eating disorder not many poeople know about. Most people only know the main 3: anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. But there is one called OSFED (previously known as EDNOS - eating disorder not otherwise specified). Anyways "OSFED stands for Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders. OSFED may present with many of the symptoms of other eating disorders but will not meet the full criteria for diagnosis of these disorders. OSFED is no less serious and with treatment, recovery is possible." (quoted from butterfly foundation). I can not say this is what you have, but a lot of people don't realise that there is one that they may have. They think they have to wait till they be anorexic to have an eating disorder which isn't the case. I was first diagnosed with EDNOS, and my brain was just as unwell as anorexia and I was mentally in a world of pain. I am glad I got help before I was more unwell as it could have gotten worse and recover would have taken longer.

Hope this was helpful. I am an open book. If you want to ask questions feel free to ask. I know how hard it is to deal with this stuff alone, so I want you to know you are not alone

[Bella001]

Hi MsPurple

-lovely name by the way, purples a favourite colour of mine.

Thank you for all the information, i havent heard of the Butterfly Foundation so that is something i will definently take a look at today. I also wasnt aware there were other sorts of eating disorders, i wasnt all that aware of the other disorders, ive only known about bullima and anorexia and im not really in those catagories so thank you for that as well.

If i talk to my gp, im not sure what i would say to them. Sometimes i think it is just my anxiety affecting this aspect of my life too and i can manage it myself but then when it gets really bad i second guess that so i would like to get some help so youve given me a good direction to go in.

[MsPurple]

Hi Bella and thanks for coming back

A lot of people don't know about the other types of eating disorders. EDNOS can be just as emotionally and physically unwell as those with anorexia and bulimia. It is sad that people don't get help earlier because they don't think they are 'unwell' enough.

[Bella001]

Hi there everyone

MsPurple i spoke to the butterfly foundation and the person i spoke to was really helpful and has also suggested i have a chat to my gp about what is happening. That is something that i would like to do to get some help but im abit to nervous to make that next step and make an appointment to speak to her.

Would anyone have any suggestions on how i could ease the nerves so i can make an appointment and to also speak to her?

[quirkywords]

Bella,

Thanks for starting this thread.

Ms Purple has given very good suggestions.

You as about how to ease the nerves about making an appointment then speaking to the doctor.

I am not sure if these will be applicable but come doctor have appointments you can make online,

I often put off phone calls so I may write down everything I want to say, Hello my name is, I want to see Dr X and these times suit me. If I have it in front of me it makes it a little easier.

When you have made the appointmnet maybe you could cut and paste your first post, or write something in point form you could read to your doctor or show the doctor.

I often take notes with me as when I get to my doctor my mind turns blank , so have notes can prompt me.

These suggestion may not suit and I am sure others will have more ideas.

I know it can be hard to make steps towards seeking help but you are doing well.

Your posts will help others who may feel like you but are not ready to post.

You are not alone.

Quirky.

[MsPurple]

HI Bella

Thanks for coming back. I found the butterfly foundation really helpful for myself too.

When I told the first person I found it really difficult. For me talking they told me what they told you. They enocouraged me to talk to the GP too. I found as it was the second person I talked to it was easier. I looked up my GP on their website. I saw if they had an interest in mental health. I found a really good GP decided to tell them. They were really good about it. They helped refer me to a good psychologist on a mental health plan (this allows 10 subsidised sessions by medicare)

I still sometimes find it hard to talk about it. I think Quirky has some good ideas. I went in there with a plan. To talk about my eating issues. I put in a note pad (or phone notes) what I wanted to say. I also found doing a quiz that I could show a GP if I felt like I couldn't go through with it. Here is a quiz by the eating disorder foundation https://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/learn-more/about-eating-disorders/questionnaire/. YOu don't have to use but I had it in my pocket

I hope this helps. I am an open book. If you want to ask me something personal I am happy to answer

[BumbleBumble]

Hi Bella,

Thank you for reaching out and contacting the butterfly foundation. MsPurple and quirkywords have really good advice and I agree seeing your GP is the next best step. Discussing these feelings and thoughts can be triggering especially when we feel there is an expectation of being able to convey them clearly to someone else when they aren't clear to ourselves. In truth, there isn't an expectation and GP will help guide you through the questions.

As quirkywords suggested writing down you thought before seeing your GP can be helpful...but what to write? Your GP will not only ask questions about your eating but will want to know you are physically okay. They may ask questions about: your weight, whether you are still having your period, use of laxatives, exercise, purging, and or stimulants. They may request blood tests. Anxiety and depression are associated with eating disorders (not implying you have an eating disorder) and maybe explored as well.

Depending on what your GP suggests have you considered having a chat with a clinical psychologist? It may be helpful for anxiety symptoms and thoughts surrounding your eating habits. If you would like more information I've found the Centre of Clinical Interventions helpful in providing information and treating people with eating disorders.

I hope this has been helpful

Take care