Am anorexic and seeking help?!
Question:
Am anorexic and seeking help?
I have been suffering from anorexia nervosa throughout this year. I want to get help. I have expressed my concern to one of my closest friends. However, she told me that anorexia may have destroyed my metabolism already. She also told me if I begin eating normally again I may get fatter than how I was before I developed my eating disorder (which was 125 lbs at 5’6.) I don’t know if she is correct but this scared me. So is this true?
To be more specific, I have not totally eliminated all food from my diet yet. I have small portions of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I weight about 108-111 lbs and am 5’6.
Answers:
Having an eating disorder does damages one's metabolism, but the damage is NOT permanent and it is unlikely that you would get to a heavier weight than that at which you started.
I am a clinical psychologist and have worked as an eating disorder therapist. Additionally, I was anorexic when I was younger and am now fully recovered. It is absolutely possible to get better, but it is HARD. Slipping back into the disorder, and even relapsing, is normal and is to be expected. Very few people make a full recovery on the first try. It is incredibly important to surround yourself with positive people who will support you and your healthy efforts. If you are able to see a therapist and, ideally, a nutritionist, I would highly recommend this because it's very hard to get better alone.
In your question you said that you "have not totally eliminated all food from [your] diet." That's good - because it is impossible. Even extremely severe anorexics do eat. It is good that you have recognized your problem before getting too sick (based on height/weight information only, not emotional distress) because every pound you lose from here on out is just one more pound that you'll have to regain later.
If you're looking for good, supportive online communities, check out Something Fishy - www.sfwed.com. They have a WONDERFUL bulletin board with people at all stages of recovery who will hopefully be able to provide a bit of encouragement and support.