Is it possible to get over anorexia without professional help?!
Question: I had anorexia in college, and my weight got down below 100 pounds (I'm 5'6"). I was always exhausted and cold, and I got so thin that my period stopped. A few friends confronted me about this, but I was too embarrassed and scared to seek treatment. Somehow, over a period of 2 years, I managed to get myself through it and get better. Now I don't have any symptoms of an eating disorder. Is this possible? I know that it's possible because I did it, but I sometimes feel like people doubt that I really had anorexia because they think I couldn't have gotten better without professional treatment. Is this true? I know that most people need treatment, and I'm not proud that I didn't get it. I think I would have been much better off if I could have gotten help. But I'm wondering if hearing this makes you doubt that I really suffered from anorexia.
Answers: I had anorexia in college, and my weight got down below 100 pounds (I'm 5'6"). I was always exhausted and cold, and I got so thin that my period stopped. A few friends confronted me about this, but I was too embarrassed and scared to seek treatment. Somehow, over a period of 2 years, I managed to get myself through it and get better. Now I don't have any symptoms of an eating disorder. Is this possible? I know that it's possible because I did it, but I sometimes feel like people doubt that I really had anorexia because they think I couldn't have gotten better without professional treatment. Is this true? I know that most people need treatment, and I'm not proud that I didn't get it. I think I would have been much better off if I could have gotten help. But I'm wondering if hearing this makes you doubt that I really suffered from anorexia.
I have the exact same story as you do. I suffered from anorexia in college, on 3 separate occasions, and each time it was myself who pulled me out of it. I also suffer from depression and have seen therapists and the like, and they have all told me that for sure I did have eating disorders (I also suffered from bulimia for a while too). So to answer your question: yes, you can do it without professional help. And your anorexia was very real, and nobody should think that you never suffered from it. You did an amazing thing by pulling yourself out of it, and remember to honor that and not be embarrassed, consider it an acomplishment and a sign of strength--not weakness. However, remember that eating disorders indicate a much larger problem, and even though you are fine now (good for you!!!), please watch yourself carefully. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses manifest themselves sometimes as eating disorders, so just something to be aware of being that you are prone to such things. Best of luck to you and glad you are staying healthy.
Well of course you've suffered from anorexia. If I were the one who stopped myself from having an eating disorder, I would be extremely proud of myself. And you should too! In fact, I'm proud of you. (as motherly or fatherly as that sounds.)
it is possible if u r determined to stop and dont want to starve urself so much u die,
yes it is possible. i overcame anorexia on my own as well. well i had help from my family and friends too. but i did it on my own. its just a matter of knowing that its wrong, and that its killing you. and having the will power to want to fight the disease and get better. know that you are beautiful. and as long as you think so, thats all that matters. now i don't know you, but i just want you to know, that i am proud of you. it takes an extremely strong person to get better with help and rehab and etc. but you did it on your own. you are amazing. and dont ever forget that.
i wouldn't doubt it
it just shows you had the strength to overcome it which is what most people lack and why so many people suffer from it until they get professional help
i applaud you
Seeing as how you felt exhausted and cold and it got to the point where your period stopeed I have no doubt you suffered from an eating disorder. Anorexia is a complex behavioral disorder. It is possible for one to intellectualize their situation and realize they need to take better care of themselves. Thus is entirely possible to get over the anorexia without professional help. But only in the sense that you eat more.
However the poor self image, social anxiety, lack of self worth, and that twisted feeling of control through fasting - the things that caused the anorexia - are still there and for that stuff you do need professional help to resolve. Otherwise you're just going cold turkey and eventually you will most likely resort to fasting again. This is especially true if you hit some rough times - death of a loved one, break up or just lots of stress and call push you back to the eating disorder.
However a small percentage of people with eating disorders get their life in order without professional help. But I'd still strongly suggest at least seeing a councellor.
You're a strong individual to overcome something like anorexia. I hope you are eating healthy and exercising. I think it's possible to defeat anorexia without professional help. It's depends on the person.