How do you know if you have an eating disorder?

[AshleighMae97]

Hello, I've been struggling with eating for 8 years now. I feel bad every time I eat, I'll starve myself, hate myself if I eat anything and I've been through a phase of taking laxatives excessively. There was one point not so long ago where I started making myself sick and I'm trying to overcome that. I'm not underweight but I'm just feeling so overwhelmed by the guilt I'm feeling with eating and I don't know how to overcome it. Is this a form of an eating disorder? Or am I just a mess? 😞

[Youare]

You are not a mess. It seems to me you have been struggling with an eating disorder (coz of the laxatives,bulimia and guilt from eating, and I'm sorry to hear you've had it for so long I strongly advise you see a doctor, it may not seem serious to you (it didn't to me anyway) but they will get you help. You deserve to recover and be happy.

[AshleighMae97 in reply to Youare]

Thank you. I think I may need to 😕 I never thought I did because I wasn't typically anorexic but it's only lately that I've learnt there's more forms. Maybe I do need some help yes 😔 thank you again!

[Youare in reply to AshleighMae97]

No problem. Its really important you get help as soon as possible before it gets worse, eating disorders affect people at all weights. I don't fit into any category and my weight's never low enough to be anorexic but I still have an ED and I have regular help for it and it is taken seriously. Please go see a doctor when you have the chance x

[AshleighMae97]

I didn't know they were taken so seriously, that's really good to know. Thank you. I hope everything goes well for you x

[Youare in reply to AshleighMae97]

Thank you! I hope you recover soon too, make sure you see a doctor! xx

[crazycrossstitcher]

In no way are you "just a mess" - you have an illness and that needs treatment - suggest you approach your GP and take them through your feelings and what's going on in your life - especially around food - starving, making yourself sick, taking laxatives are all health risks long term - ABC also have a good website and offer telephone support - don't avoid asking for help because you feel you won't be heard - EDs have a way of persuading you you are OK and that you don't need help - from experience EDs don't go away without getting outside help and support - so I do hope you'll get this.

[AshleighMae97 in reply to crazycrossstitcher]

Thank you so much. I am realising that I do need to talk to someone after posting this, thank you so much.