Hello, I am new to this community. Concerned about family member.

[Zanth]

Just wanted to share my worries about my daughter. Not sure how to help her. She is 22 years years old and has been very overweight since age 14. She is nearly 6 ft tall and wears between a UK size 24 to 28. She says she often binge eats in response to stress. She suffers with depression and has started taking antidepressants but they don't seem to help much. She says her GP doesn't understand and won't do anything to help. She has tried CBT but this hasn't helped. Thinks she has a form of eating disorder and I agree. Says she wants psychotherapy but she won't do anything to find therapy. I took her to Overeaters Anonymous but she gave up after a couple of sessions - she didn't like the 'God element'. Has tried Orlistat meds from GP but gave up due to side effects. Tried Slimming World, lost a few pounds and regained a few times and gave up. She also suffers with polycystic ovaries (PCOS). GP doesn't offer much help with this apart from 'lose weight'. I try to encourage my daughter to overcome her weight and overeating problems but she gets so angry and defensive. She self harm by cutting and burning. Am very worried for her and don't know where to turn for help. Would be very grateful for comments or suggestions from the community. Thanks.

[imstronger]

Hi Zanth, thank you for helping your daughter. The first step to getting better is actively seeking help, and it seems like both of you are trying to solve the problems listed above. I am no professional myself, but it is so important to listen, listen, listen, and speak to your daughter with compassion.

As you wrote that your daughter often binge eats due to stress, I wanted to share with you a blog I wrote about binge eating disorder. Yes, a legitimate eating disorder! I struggled with it before and I wrote about steps to recovery, how to help a loved one who binge eats, and other blog posts that may be useful to your daughter's recovery. Here is the link: imstrongerthantheurgetobing...

Will be praying for her and your well-being. Take care xx

-Dana

[debdobs]

Request a referral to an Adult Eating Disorder service and access ITalk for psychological therapy whilst waiting. Openly talk about thoughts of suicidal planning and intent with someone who is clinically depressed - any alarm bells get them off to A and E where they can access psychiatry assessment. Self harm may be coping strategy, for alternatives look at national self harm forum via google.