New - seeking help ASAP
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| Tue, 08-24-2004 - 9:39am |
I am 27 and I've been battling anorexia/bulimia and food/image issues for years. This summer I was anorexic and lost 25 pounds. I loved myself and my looks. I exercised lots. Then I lost it and went on a binging (sometimes purging) spree that I haven't gotten control of yet. I've put back on at least 10 of those pounds and hate myself for it. Now I am panicky and can't stand myself. I can't even look at my stomach or thighs - I shower with my eyes closed. I want to crawl in bed and not get out until I lose some of this weight. Of course it has been all unhealthy gaining - right on my stomach and thighs.
I've decided I really need help. I tried to set up an appt. with a therapist I'd seen briefly many years ago, but she can't see me for 6 weeks! I need help now! There are 2 other therapists in town, but how do I know I can find one with ED experience? I looked at somethingfishy, but no one anywhere near where I live.
Any suggestions as to what to do in the meanwhile? I can barely force myself to get dressed in the mornings cuz I can't stand clothes touching me. I fear I've really got a problem on my hands.

BUT, as far as finding a therapist goes, I would suggest calling the other therapists that are options for you. I recently decided to switch therapists and to find a new one, that's what I did. Some of them will talk to you ahead of time and some of them won't, but for the ones that won't you can talk to the receptionist and just find out what that therapist mainly specializes in and other things you might want to know.
I know what you mean about waiting 6 weeks...when I made my appt. it was 5 weeks out and although now I'm down to 3, I am barely hanging on.
In the mean time, to get through the day, I try to use positive thinking and I try to keep myself busy so I don't have time to sit around binging/purging. I start each day saying "it's going to be a good day"; "God and I are in control of this...it is not in control of me"; and my new favorite from a recent email "if God brought you to it, He will bring you through it".
Do you have any support? Does anyone know? I had told my husband back in March when I finally admitted I needed help, but it's only been recently that he has realized how serious it is and we've been talking about it more. It has really helped knowing I have him there to help me and he isn't going to stop loving me or get mad at me when I mess up. If you have anybody in your life you can lean on, that will really help.
Good luck and keep coming here...there are some great inspirational and supportive women here to lean on.
Hugs, Sherri
Sherri
expecting baby girl#4 on 9/9/09
mom to Savana (8), Trinity (5) and Miranda (3)
Hugs, Michelle
Hi,
I too agree with Sherri and just wanted to let you know that I've been there. I know you are really struggling right now and every day is hard, but it can get better. I used to shave my legs without looking -
Love & hugs, Kristina