Anorexia

I'm just figuring out that my 18 year old daughter might have anorexia. I don't have a clue what to do. Can you please give me some insights on this? Thanks!

I am curious what you mean by traditional treatment. There are so many treatments out there. It definitely would be useful to have some family therapy included.

have her see a doctor for some blood work to see how her electrolyte levels are. Then have her see a dietician who specializes in eating disorders and also have her see a psychiatrist and a therapist. All asap. The sooner treatment is found, the better.

HI i am suffering form anorexia bingepurge type but i cant tell my family cause my whole my mom's always threatned how if she ever finds out tht i have an eating disorder she would take matters into her own hands and will not send me to a rehab and she has told me what she will do...im only 14 i cant check into a rehab treatment center without my parents ive tried eveything........i also cut bcuz of it. I ver tried to stop but i cant . I onl;y cut so tht i can put my inner pain on the outside.....i have no ideaa wat to do......any advice besides treatment centers or telling my family or doctors.......HELP!!!!!!!!

I am 14 and I also struggled with anorexia nervosa. I've had an eating disorder for most of my life, but now I have really worked on recovering. I would say that both treatments right now are pretty rough. The treatment center I went to (Rogers Memorial Hospital) was horrible. Most treatment centers only worry about weight and weight gain. That should be the LAST thing on your mind if you want to help your daughter. People with eating disorders worry about their weight and if you make them worry about gaining then you're just going to drive them into having anxiety attacks. Just worry about the mental state of the child, not how much they weigh.

Hi Little Dreamer and wellcome. Thank you for sharing your story. Stay strong sweetie. You are so true in the words you have said. When I was young I too had anorexia and belief me my dear there is light at the end of the tunnel. I recovered and I know that you are doing everything you can to help yourself. Always here if you need me Take care Piglit

thank you Piglit! I really appreciate you replying to me. 🙂

Treatment centers make things pretty difficult sometimes, but I guess it depends where you go. Most hospitals have a psychiatric ward and they will admit you if you seem to be at danger to yourself (cutting and eating disorders count). All you gotta do is go to the ER. They will help you. Most doctors are understanding and helpful (unfortunately there are a few exceptions). If there is a children's hospital near your house, I recommend going there since they will be more equipped with dealing with a child your age. I am the same age as you and I also had anorexia. If you want to talk or anything, I'm here. 🙂
Sincerely,
LittleDreamer

I guess make sure you don't attack her when you confront her about this issue. Eating disorders are a very difficult issue to deal with. Also, don't make her feel like she has a big problem and try to keep life as normal as possible. I agree with akb about finding treatment ASAP, but you really need to find kind and compassionate people who really understand eating disorders. A lot of the times it is nice to have a doctor or team that has had an eating disorder and really knows what it feels like. Also don't make a big deal about weight gain. That should be the LAST thing on ur list. Work on having a better relationship with food.