Eating disorder question

[futurefitnessdyanmo]

Sorry, I certainly did not mean for my post to suggest there is no hope. But, AS IT STANDS NOW (I for one am working to change this) anorexia is harder to treat and is much more complicated than just eating more, as you know. I agree that you should let your therapist know that this appears to be what he or she is suggesting - s/he may not realize this is how it sounds. There is a great deal of hope for you, particularly if you want to conquer anorexia and are prepared for some of the difficult issues therapy will involve dealing with. Critical to this is having a therapist whom you believe understands you and your disorder, whom you trust.

Talk to your therpist before kicking him or her to the curb. If you have and you've been feeling this way for awhile despite saying so, find another therapist, PARTICULARLY SOMEONE WHO SPECIALIZES IN EATING DISORDERS.

 

[Vickie C.]

Lesliemarie,
I am not a therapist, but I am a "recovered" anorexic. I was severely anorexic for 7 years., by that I mean, I was never over 90lbs. during that 7 years, and I usually hovered between 70 and 85 depending if I was hospitalized or in therapy. My lowest weight was 58lbs was I was 20, I am 5'3". I only give you this history to let you know I was very "hopeless" according to many people, several of them therapists. I was hospitalized or in a "treatment program" at least 5 times during that 7 years. The bottom line is, no one program or therapist works for everyone. I think the major thing in getting better is really wanting to."Hitting bottom" as it were. I am also not sure if you have to really get at the root cause to get better. To this day, I still wonder what it was. There are a lot of factors. Am I normal now? Probably not, but relatively close. I have no idea what I weigh, but I'm not skinny by any means. I am a healthy(and don't we anorexics hate that word!), thin person. I don't weigh myself because that keeps me sane, so does exercise. I don't overdo it though, usually an hour 6 days a week that I split between cardio and weights. Do I wish I was thinner? You bet, I always will feel the need to be thinner. I eat relatively normal. I did not have a period for that full 7 years, everyone assumed I had ruined my reproductive system. I have been married for 10 years now, and I have 2 little boys, 7 and 4 (almost, both of their birthdays are this month). I got pregnant the first time I tried both times, and had totally uneventful pregnancies. I'm sorry to be so long winded, I just wanted to let you know, you can come back from the "edge". The key is to really want to. I haven't been in therapy for 17 years now and I still obscess about food, when I'm really upset, my husband knows it has to do with something I've eaten or thought I shouldn't have eaten. Bad days are a part of life, but for the most part it is a wonderful life, you shouldn't miss it. When I was really into my ED, the only thing I liked about my life was my weight, that is so untrue now. I hope that you can sort this out and know there is help and support out there. Good luck. God bless.

Vickie

 

[futurefitnessdyanmo]

I should also mention that restoring a more healthy weight is a critical initial treatment goal, and may be why your therapist is emphasizing eating more right now. When you are malnourished, your psychological capacity to process info, and fully participate in therapy is impaired. In short, you can't really do much cognitively because you're so distracted by thoughts of food and weight - believe it or not, weight restoration in and of itself will decrease these symptoms. Your brain uses a substantial portion of your energy - if your body doesn't have enough, your brain can't think as well.

 

[MRSchultz]

Carol: This statement you made below is exactly me, you've hit the nail on the head for me - this is it! The Aha moment right here and now. That is my reason for overeating and not focusing on myself and my health and fitness. THANK YOU!!!

"Are there high expectations either for your achievement or your caretaking of others? And are you afraid to say "NO" to the expectations and requests of others? This last factor is important. Deep down the anorexic is saying NO, and this is the only avenue she has allowed herself to say NO in."

~Marcia~

 

[luvmylbb]

THere are so many wonderful women on this site, I can't thank you enough for all of your advice. I am going to get a book on CBT tomorrow. THis is my 3rd day in a row w/out binging or purging. May not sound like a lot but I really want to do it but I am fight ing it. Is it possible to recover from Bulimia?It seems so hard!!!!
THank you all!!!

 

[newswoman13]

Great advice from all -- One key factor: Don't be ashamed of therapy, AND don't be afraid to "shop around" for a therapist. Yes, it's pricey, but you are GOOD ENOUGH for those expenses. Trust me. Again, find a therapist you're comfortable with....they don't always make it easy b/c it is NOT easy. But, if you have that voice that says "I can live more peacefully, I know I can..." Then, seek help. Many more seek help than you think, AND, many more NEED to seek help than you think. ;-)

I loved what Carol (i think) mentioned: VOICE and being able to say "NO"

That ED suppresses your voice (whether you're starving it away, exercising it away, or stuffing it down with food when you're not hungry). That voice means a lot, says a lot, and needs a lot of your OWN affection/attention. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.

Can you tell I've had my share of these issues? You betcha, but I'm well on my way to living an authentic life. Day by day.

Best wishes.