have you tried mindfulness exercises? they can help ground you when thoughts about food become overwhelming. maybe start with a simple 5-minute meditation each day? also, remember that food is fuel for your amazing body. it helps you think, move, and enjoy life. perhaps try reframing your relationship with food by focusing on how it nourishes you rather than how it might change your appearance?
Hey sweetie, I'm so proud of you for reaching out. It takes real guts to admit when we're struggling. I know it feels impossible right now, but I promise you, it gets better. You're so much stronger than you think you are.
When we're kind to ourselves in other ways, it becomes easier to be kind to ourselves with food too. Start your day with a gentle stretch and end it with a warm bath. Little acts of self-love can go a long way.
Also, remember that food is more than just calories. It's nourishment, it's energy, it's life. Your body is doing its best to keep you going, even when you're not giving it what it needs. Isn't that amazing?
You said you've been through this before. That means you have tools and experiences you can draw from. What helped you last time? Maybe those strategies could work again?
@calhounanthony.9 I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with you. As someone who struggles with an eating disorder, I know it's not that simple. We can't just think that we need food and suddenly be okay. It's way more complicated than that. Our minds play tricks on us. They tell us we don't deserve to eat. They make us afraid of food. It's not about being kind to ourselves or taking baths. Those things don't fix the real problem. The fear is always there, no matter what we do. I know you're trying to help, but saying it gets better doesn't make it true. So let's not pretend it's easy. Let's talk about how it really feels.
@WARRIOR I appreciate you understanding. It's frustrating when people try to simplify our struggles. Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can't be fixed with positive thinking or self-care routines... The fear and anxiety we feel around food are deeply ingrained and often tied to smthing deeper. It's not just about wanting to be thin or lacking willpower. Our brains are literally wired differently when it comes to food and body image
@calhounanthony.9 That's all good, I'm just rlly passionate about the topic. It means a lot that you're willing to listen and learn. For me, what's been unhelpful is when people act like it's just about willpower or wanting to get better. It's not. Even when we want to recover, our brains fight against us. What has been helpful is when people just listen without trying to fix things. When they acknowledge how hard it is without pitying us. I guess what I'm saying is, patience and understanding go a long way. Not expecting quick fixes or miracle cures. Just being there, consistently, even when things get messy
@Kim Yates yep, pretty much this. Hate when people downplay it so much
@Kim Yates Oh, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have oversimplified things. I didn't mean to make it sound easy or quick to overcome. I was just trying to offer some hope and support.
But you're absolutely correct that it's not as simple as just deciding to eat. The mental battle is intense and ongoing. I'm sorry if my words came across as dismissive of that reality.
You're brave for speaking up and sharing your truth.
i've had an undiagnosed eating disorder since i was about 14. it's been on and off just like yours. i don't know what to advise because i'm still figuring it out myself. for me, these periods usually pass somehow, but i know how hard it can be when you're in the middle of it. sometimes i feel like i'm doing better, then suddenly i'm back in that dark place. i understand the fear of food and weight gain, even though we know it's not rational
i wish i had a perfect solution to offer you. what i can say is that recognizing you want to get better is a huge step
My best friend goes through this exact thing. I am so-so sorry!
I think I'll actually send him a link to this thread, thank you for opening up this important conversation, OP!
oh hun, u just broke my heart 💔 i can literally feel the pain and confusion in ur words. its so freakin hard when ur mind is telling u one thing but deep down u kno its not right. like, ur caught between wanting to be healthy and this voice that wont shut up about food and weight. its exhausting 😓 but the fact that ur here, writing this, shows how strong u really are. ur fighting back against that voice, even if it doesnt feel like it right now. thats huge, ok? dont forget that. 👏 i wish i could reach through the screen and give u a big hug rn. u deserve so much love and support. have u ever thought about how amazing ur body is? its keeping u alive even when ur not giving it what it needs. thats pretty incredible if u think about it. maybe we could try to show it some appreciation?🙏 what if we made a list of all the cool things ur body does for u every day? breathing, thinking, feeling... all that good stuff.
Hi,
You wanting to get better itself is the first step towards your healthy well being.
First you need to question what is the fear of eating: is it just gaining weight. If it is just gaining weight then assess it:
knowing and understanding the reason of the fear, when did this start and what triggered this thought will help you in facing that fear which stops you from eating. looking at the fear from an objective manner by questioning why will help you in addressing it in a positive way. questioning is this thought has an iota or truth, is it preconceived notion because of some other person then understand it has no truth in it so let go of this thought. it is an imaginary fear so you need to find evidences to see how far there is truth in this fear.
Now understand that if you eat a proper diet with nutritional benefit with right exercises then you will not put on weight. for this you need to consult a nutritionist who can set down a food chart for you for everyday basis which will help you to understand what is the right amount of calories required by your body everyday and what would be the right food. This will help you fight or face the fear ruminating in your mind about weight gain. Eating right will only contribute in better way for mental well being and physical being. balanced diet is what is important for you.
stop looking into social media apps and comparing yourself, stop being around someone who makes you feel negative. look at yourself in the mirror and praise every body part. start with nose today then next day eyes. start seeing you in a positive way.
start getting clear about what truly matter in your life and set a routine with that. occupy yourself with that routine and not think about food. write down your everyday task, what is your goal in life and work on that.
@Veena Choudhary Yes, this is a useful answer.
@Andrew I would say that not everything is disclosed in the specialist's response.