You are viewing:

  1. Home
  2. Find
  3. Anorexia nervosa


Jump down to: content, section menu, site menu or site info sections.

Anorexia nervosa

apple_reflection

What is anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder. Eating disorders refer to a group of illnesses where someone has a distorted view of body shape and weight and they have extreme disturbances in their eating behaviour. 

People who have eating disorders generally have a very low sense of self-esteem and poor sense of self. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, compulsive overeating, eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) and binge eating disorder are all types of eating disorders.

You may want to check out the fact sheets on the left hand side of the page for more information on other eating disorders.

Characteristics of anorexia

Anorexia is characterised by:

  •  extreme concerns about weight
  •  intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
  •  deliberate maintenance of a very low body weight
  •  often absent menstrual cycles.


People with anorexia have an intense desire for weight loss and to be thin (often unhealthily so). Although people with anorexia are usually underweight, they generally believe that they are "fat."

Food, weight and appearance often become the main focus for someone who has anorexia. Concentrating on food and weight becomes a (conscious or unconscious) way of dealing with or managing intense emotions or emotional difficulties that they are experiencing.

Both males and females, from any social or economic background, can suffer from anorexia. Although the disorder usually begins in the late teenage years it can manifest at any age, and its onset is often associated with a stressful event or a period of dieting.

Common signs of anorexia

Some of the common signs of anorexia may be:

  • being afraid of putting on weight
  • calorie counting and/or obsessively avoiding high fat food
  • marked weight loss
  • not wanting to eat
  • being hungry but not wanting to admit it
  • over exercising
  • obsessive weighing
  • getting cold easily
  • irregular (or absent) menstrual cycles
  • feeling like they are too fat even though they may be very thin
  • nails and hair become brittle
  • dry and yellow skin
  • preference to eating alone or only eating around other people
  • feeling depressed and irritable
  • lanugo, or fine body hair, on the trunk and face.

If you are experiencing a number of these things, it may be helpful to talk with someone you trust, like a family member, teacher, psychologist or local doctor.

Check out your local phone book to find out details of people you can approach for assistance in your local area. Or, you can also ask a doctor to refer you to someone who can help you.

What causes anorexia nervosa?

Eating disorders such as anorexia are a combination of physical and mental health difficulties and there are usually a number of factors that contribute to its development. These factors could include any or all of the following:

  • cultural emphasis or preoccupation with body image ideals
  • relationships with peers and family
  • loss and grief
  • brain chemistry
  • physiological effects of dieting
  • stress or coping styles
  • genetic factors
  • a feeling of lack of control over one's life
  • an inability to cope with and manage emotions/feelings in a more positive way
  • physical, emotional, or sexual trauma.

It is often impossible to identify one single cause of a person's eating disorder. Rather, eating disorders are usually a result of a combination of factors working together.

For some people it will be easy to identify what some of the reasons may be, but for others it may be very difficult. Regardless of the causes or reasons, it is important to remember that people with anorexia can and do recover.

Difference between anorexia and bulimia

Both anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders, however the characteristics of each are different. Anorexia is characterised by a desire to lose weight and self-starvation (severe restriction of the amount of food consumed).

People who experience bulimia also usually share the intense desire to lose weight and be thin, but instead of starving themselves they are prone to episodes of eating large amounts of food in short spaces of time (binging), which they then feel the need to rid themselves of via various means of purging (such as vomiting, starving, or over-exercising).

People who suffer from anorexia often have episodes of binge eating and purging; however, unlike bulimics, their body weight is well below the "healthy" range. For more information about bulimia you may want to check out the factsheet on the left hand side of the page.

Suggestions for getting help for anorexia

Many people with eating disorders feel that they are not "sick enough" or "thin enough" to warrant receiving help for their disorder. It is important to remember and keep reminding yourself that eating disorders are psychological disorders that cause great suffering. The bodily effects of an eating disorder are merely a symptom of deeper issues.

Anybody whose life is being affected by an eating disorder, regardless of its perceived severity, deserves access to support and treatment. Everyone with an eating disorder deserves to have their eating disorder taken seriously, regardless of what they weigh or of how much or how little they eat.

It is a good idea to try and find help sooner rather than later. The longer someone has experienced anorexia the more difficult it is to start the recovery process. It may also be a good idea to remember this if you are starting treatment.

If you are having difficulties reaching the goals set, try not to be too hard on yourself. It is important to keep trying. Persistence and courage are the keys to recovery. Remember that recovery is possible!

Everybody with anorexia is different, thus the same treatment approach won't be suited to everyone. What works for one person might not work for you, so it is worth investigating and trying out various options and approaches.

Your local doctor, or eating disorders association (check out the links on the left side of this page or contact) should be able to help you find out about what options are available and which one may benefit you the most. Some options available include counsellors, nutritionists, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other health professionals. To find a doctor or mental health professional see the beyondblue Directory of Medical and Allied Health Practitioners in Mental Health.

And remember, if you try one thing and it hasn't worked, it doesn't mean that you have failed; it just means that you may need to try a different approach!

What you talk about with the people you seek help from can vary depending on the individual you see and the prior training that they have had. However, common things that are often talked about are what your beliefs and behaviours about food and weight are, how you feel about yourself, and about how you came to develop these things. You will also be guided to learn better ways of managing your feelings and difficulties, and to have a healthier and more positive approach to yourself, food, and weight.

Sometimes, to help you get better, you may spend some time in a hospital so that your nutritional or psychological needs can be looked after in an environment that offers a more intense level of support.

This may include having your weight returned to a level that will not cause immediate danger to your health. Some people also find it easier to learn to eat healthily again in the more structured and supportive environment that a hospital can provide, regardless of whether they are at a medically unstable weight or not.

Asking for help with an eating disorder can be a daunting prospect and requires a lot of courage, but it is worth it!

Trust & honesty

Speaking to someone about your eating habits honestly and openly may be hard and it is particularly important to trust the person you are speaking with. If there is a family member you feel comfortable telling, the simplest way may be to sit down with them and just say it (e.g. 'I need to tell you something - I think I have anorexia/an eating disorder).

It's likely they will already be worried about you and will be relieved at having the opportunity to listen and help. If you don't get a positive response though, try to remember that it is not because you have done something wrong, but because the person you have told may not know how to respond to what you have told them, or may not understand much about eating disorders.

Don't give up - either try again or maybe speak to someone else who you think you might receive a more supportive response from.

You might find it easier to talk to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist (someone who is not a family member or friend). Like any relationship, building up this trust may take time and it is important you find someone you feel comfortable with (this may mean seeing several people before finding one that you "click" with).

You may find it helpful to have a look at the Who can help you section for more information about finding the right help.

If talking about it with someone is too overwhelming, an alternative is to email or write down what you want to say.

More Information

You may want to check out the websites or fact sheets on the left hand side for more information about Anorexia, other eating disorders, and related topics.

Check out the links for details of eating disorder organizations in your state or city; these can be great places for accessing information and support. Many are also able to provide referrals or contact details of people in your area who specialize in the treatment of eating disorders.

 

But wait - there's more! Check out some of the stories from young people who have overcome anorexia nervosa.

 

 

Acknowledgement

Thanks to the Nutrition Australia for editing this fact sheet. 

  • This content was created by Reach Out Australia.
  • Last updated 14 Nov 11

Jump to top

28 Comments

Sophie RO crew

about 1 month ago

Reply Report

Rach G


Opening up to a doctor can be really hard, so you should be proud of yourself for taking such a brave step. Sorry to hear that you did not get the most supportive response - it's important that you find a doctor who understands the complexities of eating disorders. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find a doctor or a health professional that is right for you.

Please check out this page from the Butterfly Foundation. They are a fantastic service specifically about eating disorders that can help you find the right support you need. You could also ring their  helpline:  1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE).

Rach G

about 1 month ago

Reply Report

i think i may have anorexia, but i dont know. i find it very difficult to eat. and i maintain an intense excersise routine. 

ive tried to go to my doctor about it all. but all she does is insist i eat and keep an eye on my weight, which she insists is very low, but i disagree, i am still too fat. my doctor pokes and prods me to eat, but she doesnt understand that most of the time i just cant. i dont know how to show her that i just cant eat and that i hate my stomach.  

Randomness

2 months ago

Reply Report

Hi depgirl, 

It's difficult to say exactly what the reason for these feelings about your weight are. What many people do not realise is that body image/weight issues such as these are largely mental illnesses rather than physical ones because they often arise from negative emotions towards yourself or a situation. It is true that your depression and therefore negative emotions may have contributed to you having these thoughts about your body; however I would not say though that this is just part of your depression. It is likely related to your depression; however it is also an independent issue that needs to be addressed. I know this might seem like a scary thing to have to deal with this as well as all the other stuff you're going through right now, but in the long run, dealing with these issues will help you. I read your other comments on another page and I know you have some concerns about talking to your GP and psychiatrist about what has been going on for you lately, but I think it is important you get help for both this eating issue and for the other issues you are going through. It will really help you if you deal with these issues, and how you go about that is up to you. Don't be afraid to get help though, even if it involves something that seems a bit drastic at the time. Right now it probably seems daunting, but one day, when you have dealt with these feelings and are in a happier place, I doubt you will regret having received help. If you don't want to talk to your doctors straight away, you could always talk to someone like Kids Helpline, Lifeline, or Headspace online counselling to let your feelings out and discuss them with someone who can give you tips to help you. Like I said, what you do is up to you, but don't be afraid to reach out for  help. The road can be rough, but the destination is worth it. 

Look after yourself, 
Randomness

depgirl

2 months ago

Reply Report

Sorry for all the background info, but I needed to include it to make sense. I was diagnosed with depression by my GP a while back. In the course of the appointment we discussed my diet. I was eating very unhealthy foods, so she sent me to a dietition. I saw her a few times and made the improvements she suggested. She kept a track of my weight because it was below the healthy range when I first saw her. Every time it increased I got quite upset. As soon as I stopped seeing her I got into worse habits than before. Now most of the time I only eat when I have to (like when mam is home). She monitors what I eat. When I'm in on my own, I will either skip breakfast or have a couple of pieces of plain bread. I avoid the high fat foods I like eg chocolate & chips. I try to avoid meals if I can and have reduced the size of meals I eat. I don't like having gained weight. I am 167cm tall and weigh 53kg. I believe that I look fat around my stomach and legs, and I don't like how much my stomach sticks out. I don't enjoy any of my meals. Could this just be part of my depression, or is it possibly an eating issue? Should I be worried?

Randomness

6 months ago

Reply Report

Hi negatron

Have you thought about getting help for any of these feelings? It can be really scary to seek help, but it is one of the best things you can do. A good place to go would be your GP as they are probably best able to help you with this and sort out any of your issues. You could also see a psychologist or try Kids Helpline or a Headspace centre or web counselling. It is not nice to be feeling this way and it would probably be helpful to you if you tried to work through some of these issues. I encourage you to find help in some way. Have you talked to anyone you know about these feelings? Telling a friend, family member or other trusted adult might also be helpful just to have someone by your side to support you. Either way I think it is important you try to find help in some way. It can be really hard to tell someone about something like this because you don't want anyone to know, but you have to break through the fear and hopefully it will pay off in the long run. 

negatron

6 months ago

Reply Report

feeling like they are too fat even though they may be very thin
getting cold easily
not wanting to eat
being hungry but not wanting to admit it
being afraid of putting on weight
preference to eating alone or only eating around other people
feeling depressed and irritable
stress
an inability to cope with and manage emotions/feelings in a more positive way

I've got all of the above there^
I'm sick of feeling this way...

katie booth

9 months ago

Reply Report

maddiew....you need to eat! it is not healthy for your body if you dont.you seem very sweet and you should never let yourself down because others are stupid enough to stoop down to the lowest level and say anything! i have had this problem many times and just a few weeks ago i started to eat again...sometimes i dont eat and try to make myself sick but i realized that i am a better person.im still going through stress but its always good to talk to anyone about it.believe me..i can always help you

Roisin - RO Crew

10 months ago

Reply Report

Hi there Kaitlyn,

Weather or not you have an eating disorder has little to do with how much you weigh.  An eating disorder is usually a coping mechanism and common symptoms are a distorted view of body shape and weight and they have extreme disturbances in their eating behaviour. 

If your eating habits have effected your health to the extent where you fainted at school then it is a good idea to speak to somebody about it.  Speaking to someone will help you organise your thoughts, get things into perspective and release tension.  A professional will be able to help you work through and understand what is motivating your current eating and exercising habits.  They will be able to advise you on what is a good eating and exercising regime that is suitable for you and work with you in detemining if your current regime is healthy or not.

You can find out all about who can help you here: http://au.reachout.com/find/getting-help/who-can-help-you

If you don't feel up to speaking to someone face to face then why not try kids help line on 1800 55 1800.  They are really friendly and happy to chat about any issue no matter how big or small it may seem.  You can call them any time of the night or day free from a land line or pay phone and all of their calls are 100% confidential and anonymous.  

Keep reaching out
Roisin - RO Crew

_Kaitlyn_

10 months ago

Reply Report

I'm not sure whether or not I have an eating disorder. I'm not exactly underweight, at least I don't think so. I'm actually not sure what the standard weight is for someone my size. I'm about 165 (roughly, I haven't measured my height in a while) and I weigh 52kg. I'm fourteen, and I was diagnosed with depression early last year. I successfully battled it but relapsed for a very short time about three months after first stopping my treatment. I've been cleared now.

I don't know if I have an eating disorder. A few people have said that I'm quite thin but they didn't sound like they were too worried, just stating it. My boyfriend has noticed that I don't eat a lot and is concerned.

I tend to skip meals and exercise more than I used to. I fainted at school and I'm back to eating 2-3 times a day (depending on whether I have breakfast) instead of one main meal but I'm very concerned about what I eat and tend to try and eat very healty foods.

I've been trying to convince myself that I'm just being healthy but after the concerns my boyfriends had I'm starting to doubt that is the case.

forher

10 months ago

Reply Report

This is just adding to my heartbreak watching my girlfriend fall deeper into her ED. I am lost at what to say and what to do, she is aware of it and knows there is a problem with her eating. But I don't know what to do anymore. I am lost on how to be supportive for her I love her but I feel Like I am losing her to this disease.


nicola91

about 1 year ago

Reply Report

Hi,

I suffered from Anorexia Nervosa last year and started recovery this year in March. I dropped to a low of 41kg and I am 170cm tall, so i was extremely thin, to say the least. Now, I am completely recovered, but I have put all the weight back on, plus more ! I have jumped 3 dress sizes. I am a size 12 now, and I use to be just a size 8 before i even began losing weight! Is this normal for people to go from one extreme to the other?
Its frustrating, because i still am obsessing over food all the time, but i am just not thin as i use to be !   Now i love food, but too much, and i have gained too much weight that it  is embarrassing  !
I have been seeking help from a dietician and a pschyologist, whom i both love but im not gettiing any better. I think about food 24/7. It is always on my mind and i send my self crazy quite often   !

Stacie

about 1 year ago

Reply Report

I’ve read the definitions, the symptoms, the statistics and the consequences. But nothing seems to deter… and I don’t seem to mind. No one understands my chain of thought. I suppose they never will.

I just don’t want to put on weight and I hate… really hate myself for the way in which of eaten over the past three days. I guess I’ve eaten normally in anyone else’s books… but I weighed myself tonight, and I put on half a kilo and I wanted to break into tears. My Mum would be happy. All she wants is for me to put on weight evidenced by her constant snipes about the way my spinal cord protrudes. Little does she know that, those snipes act as encouragement for me to continue. It isn’t that I want to cause her to worry. I wish she wouldn’t, I just wish she would leave me not eat. I wish she wouldn’t judge. I wish she didn’t notice.  

I wish I was secluded from everyone, just I, in an area with comforts other than food and drink.

I try to think back to how it began. I started with limiting my breakfast to just one piece of toast and then to diet breakfast cereal alternatives such as special k, then porridge, then limited amounts of porridge until every morning my breakfast consisted of a cup of tea and two tablespoons of porridge. I counted calories profusely. I still do. My lunches also became limited however dinner remained the same. I’m not anorexic. I eat too much to be anorexic. I think you could say I’m border line… and that’s not good enough. I want to lose weight. I need to lose weight. My stomach pokes out, my thighs are too big. I hate my body. I don’t want anyone’s attention! I don’t want to have everyone tell me how thin and lucky I am. No one tells the truth anymore anyway. Especially those who you trust the most. They tell you what they think you want to hear.

I think my problem is that I am stuck in the middle, I’m neither anorexic, nor normal and I just want to be one of the two. But normal doesn’t cut it, as with normal, comes weight gain and with weight gain comes unhappiness. I know this, because I’m much happier than when I wasn’t losing weight.

My breasts haven’t developed, and my menstrual cycle has stopped, and although I want bigger boobs.. I don’t care. I like not having a period and at this point in time it doesn’t worry me, because I’m in no rush to have children. I guess that is just another incentive for me to continue losing weight… to defer the return of my period.

Tomorrow I’ll have to eat normally again. Mum will be with me all day, and she will watch and judge me. I dread tomorrow. I dread putting on more weight. I want to scream. I want to cry. I want to run away. I wish people could understand. I have to maintain this and I have to become stricter. I have to continue. I don’t want attention. I just want to be happy and weight loss brings this. I wish I could escape everyones judgement, and I wish they would just let me be. Am I the only one who feels these ways?

 

 

Hi Stacie,

 

I totaly hear that you currently feel like no one else has ever felt the way you do, or would ever understand what you are going through but please believe me lot's of people do understand and have been through the same things.  Here are some of the stories from our site  written by other young people who have been through similar things to you.  I hope you will have a read :)

 

http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/the-fight-is-worth-it

http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/heres-to-getting-a-life

http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/not-believing-the-lies-in-the-mirror

If your thoughts about your weight loss and your eating habbits are effecting your everyday life then you need to speak to somebody about them. Please remember you are not alone and there are people out there who totally get what you are going through and have the skills to help you. A counsellor or GP will be able to talk you though the reasons why you feel this way about your weight and help you come up with strategies to help you deal with strong emotions in a healthier way.  Weather you believe you are anorexic or not, restricting your food intake so severely can have very severe and irreversible effects on your health. 

A really good place to start is kids help line on 1800 55 1800.  They are super friendly and will understand everything you are going through and listen to you.  They are available any time of the night or day free from a land line or home phone. 

We hope that some of this info helps you – we promise that you’re not alone in this – you just need to connect with people who will listen to you and help you with what you are going through.

 

Keep reaching out,

 

Roisin (on behalf of the RO crew)

 

alexw

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

I know it is hard. Some of my family members are aware of my problem, and even though I do not get along with them well, they have been supportive. If you can tell anyone - friends, cousins, aunties, uncles, grandparents - you really should. I know your parents will find out and I know you might not want them to...but you should talk to someone about it because it is such a hard issue to overcome by yourself. My family knows and several friends are aware of my problem and it is still difficult for me to face it. However, I think it would be significantly worse if I was alone. If you ever need to express your thoughts, I am happy to help you.

S.J

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

Thanks for your advice, i hope you continue getting better. There isn't really anyone I can tell because then they will have to tell my parents, and we dont really get along in the first place...

alexw

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

I'm sorry to say, but it does sound like that you are experiencing anorexia. If you have an intense fear about food then you do have an eating disorder. I have to say the best thing to do is tell someone. I never told anyone about mine and it continued for about a year. I now wish I had told someone because it is a very emotional and tiring issue that I have to fight everyday. I am 17 and I am pretty much the same height and weight as you. I am 156cm and I weigh 45.8. I have been told that I need to put on weight to restart my periods. I also have not been able to concentrate at school, which has been really hard, especially because I am in year 12. I used to experience the same as you...I wouldn't eat big meals, but I would pretend that I had. I also used to feel fat....I still have bad days where I just dont feel comfortable in my own skin. However, I am working through my issues. But you really should tell someone or visit a doctor. Trust me, you do NOT want this to get any worse. It will be very hard for you and your family.

S.J

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

I think I have anorexia. I don't eat anything for breakfast or lunch and usually pick at my dinner and pretend that I've eaten it. I feel fat all the time and cant look in a mirror, i weigh 45.6 and I'm 156 cm so I'm not underweight but i find it hard to eat the smallest things. I just turned 14 and have always been a bit of a perfectionist at school and with my grades, but I've been doing really bad at school because I can't concentrate.

 

Hey S.J

I really am sorry to hear about everything you are going through. If your eating habits have gotten to the stage were they are effecting your every day life (and it sounds to me like they may have) then you need to tell someone right now.  There are lots of people out there just waiting to help you with everything you are going through and they can and will help you feel better.  Talking to someone will help you orgainse your thought's, get things in perspective or gain a new perspective and release tension.  A professional will be able to give you advise and help you come up with strategies so that you can strt to work through everything and begin to feel better.

A really great place to start is your local GP or school counsellor.   These professionals are specially trainned to deal with a range of issues and can give you advise and refer you to other services in your local area that will be able to help you.  here are some fact sheets with heaps of info about seeing a GP or school counsellor and how you can make an appointment:http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/local-doctor-or-general-practitioner-gp,  http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/school-counsellors

Another really cool service is headspace which are centers which have been especailly set up for young people and have a wide range of people who can help you. Check out thier website to find out more info, find your nearest centre or even take a virtual tour:http://www.headspace.org.au/

If you are not feeling up to speaking to someone face to face why not try kids help line on 1800 55 1800.  They are super friendly and 100% confidential and anomynous.  You can call any time of the night or day free from a land line or pay phone.

I also suggest that you have a look around our site.  This section has lots of info about all of the difernt types of help available out there so that you can choose what kind of help would suit you best:http://au.reachout.com/find/getting-help/who-can-help-you.  We also have lots of stories written by other young people about how they have gotten through thier tough times.  Check out this one written by a young woman about how she dealt with her eating issues:http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/the-fight-is-worth-it

The most important thing to know and remember about recovery is that it is possible - not just for everyone except you, but for everyone including you. It takes an enormous amount of persistence and courage, but it is possible and it is definitely worth it.  You just need to connect with someone who will listen to you and help you with everything you are going through.

Keep reaching out
Roisin- RO Crew

alexw

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

I am currently overcoming anorexia. I went to a clinic a couple of weeks ago and was told that I had a severe eating disorder. This has been a really difficult period of time in my life. For about eighteen months, my eating disorder gradually got worse. I became overly obsessed with food and my weight. I would constantly count kilojoules, look at the fat and sugar contents in food and obsess with my meals and how they were prepared. Over the course of this period, I lost around 15 kilos. My heaviest weight was around 55kg and my lowest has been 40kg and I am 156cm. However, in the last 2-3 months, I have been trying hard to put the weight back on. I have done this by ignoring the rules that I previously had. I now eat whenever I feel like it, and I eat whatever I feel like. I'm not going to lie, this has also been difficult. But I have put on 6 kilos, so I am now 46kg. Putting on this weight is important, because I know it will bring my periods, which have been absent for over 15 months. However, I still can't help but thinking that I am getting 'fat' and 'ugly'. I know I shouldn't be thinking this way, but it is just how I feel. I'm still working through this problems, and trying to tell myself that I am not fat. I know I still have a long way to go, but I have been happy with my progress. I still need to continue working through my issues...but I know that I am now getting healthier.

Charlotte-

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

I eat small amounts of food high in fat (chips, muffin - recess, chips- lunch, 100-200 calorie- tea) then i feel as though i will get fat, so the next day i eat very small amounts. ( apple- recess, lo-fat wrap-lunch, no tea.) this goes on and on in cycles, i play alot of sports very well in winter and summer but i feel as though i have to exercise more and more to get rid of the disgusting fat on my legs and hips,and when i dont exercise because i have homework i try to reason with myself and i put myself down. sometimes i have sneaky big snacks when i get home from school and i feel really REALLY bad about it.  i started eating like this last summer after my friend started obsessing over her weight and a couple of boys at school said i looked fat next to her, her weight obsessing ended within a year but i cant seem to stop. (i weigh myself everyday and aim for 49-40kgs .) everyone says im really skinny and tall but when i look in the mirror all i see is fat, i weigh 58.7 kgs and im 6 ft tall, im also 14, my mother had Bulimia, im scared i might have an eating disorder as well, i dont talk about my feelings because i think their embarrassing to talk about, i am under immense stress at school to always look pretty and be really smart (everything has to be perfect) my mum is always telling me i need to get the best marks in the class and is disappointed when i dont, it makes me feel like a big failiure. i also have lots of trouble sleeping and im always tired. what is this? i really hate the way i think and look. ):

 

Hi Charlotte-

I am really sorry to hear about everything that you are going through. You have done a really brave thing by visiting this site and reaching out for help, It just goes to show how smart and strong you are and it was the right thing to do.  It is really important that you speak to someone about everything you are going through.  A professional will be able to help you come up with startegies to feel better about yourself and support you in over coming you eating issues (It is possible!)

Your local GP is a great place to start.  GPs can give you advise and refer you on to other services in your local area that will be able to help you.  Here is some handy info about visiting your GP: http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/local-doctor-or-general-practitioner-gp.  School councellors are also awesome and can help you come up with strategies to help you deal with everything you are going through.  Here is some more info about visiti ng a school councellor:http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/school-counsellors

Another fantastic service that is especially set up for young people is head space.  You can find out more about head space and even take a virtual tour at thier website: http://www.headspace.org.au/

If you are not comfortable talking to someone face to face why not try kids help line on 1800 55 1800.  They are super friendly and 100% confidentail and anomynousand you can call anytime of the night or day free froma land line or pay phone, so I hope you will give them a try:)

I also strongly suggest that you take a look at the who can help you section of our site.  It has lots of info about all of the differnt types of help available out there so that you can choose the best possible help to suit you at a level you are comfortable with.  This section also has lots of personal stories written by other young people about how they have gotten through thier tough times.  Here is one suchstrory written by a oung woman about how she is dealing with her eating issues, I hope you will have a read:http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/not-believing-the-lies-in-the-mirror.  There are also allot of helpfull fact sheets on our site that you may find helpful.  Here is one with some handy tips about managing expectations:http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/managing-expectations.

We hope that some of this info helps you – we promise that you’re not alone in this – you just need to connect with people who will listen to you and help you with what you are going through.

 

Keep reaching out,

 

Roisin (on behalf of the RO crew)

 

Alphabet

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

Maybe talk to your counsellor about confidentiality and at what time she would be required to say something. Most cases they only say something when you are in danger of hurting yourself or others. Its a duty of care thing.


Is there any kind of activites you can do as a distraction especially after eating meals?

Also remember theres KHL who do web counselling and email counselling and also the Butterfly foundation have a website with heaps of info.

Hang in there xx

all_alone

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

I can't really talk to my GP cause then I'd have to tell my parents and I can't let them know. I do go see a counsullor cause I have depression, but I'm scared she will have to tell my parents. Things are really crap at the moment and i find it so hard to cope :(

Alphabet

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

Hey All_alone,


First i just wanted to tell you that you are not alone in your struggles.

I have been in a similar situation to you and the best thing is to get help before it goes on any longer.

The thing i found most helpful was going to a see a GP. They dont judge and they can be really useful.

Our bodies are weird complex things and despite eating small amounts and throwing up, your body will remember and it will hold on to the food because it becomes scared and its not sure when the next meal will be.

If you actually need to lose weight, a dietician can be helpful in helping you come up with a meal plan that will not endanger your health.

Is there anyone around you that you can talk to about whats going on? Things seem tough for you at the moment. Always remember that Kids Help Line and LifeLine are always there to listen as well.

Take care xx

all_alone

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

I hate my weight and I get teased about it. I throw up (on purpose) after every meal but I don't binge, I eat really small amounts. I don't know what its called and I just want to lose weight fast! I hate myself and everything. :'(

nina

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

I used to have anorexia, but then my friends confronted me about it and told me it wasnt healthy, they helped me and now i feel much healthier and happier.

Roisin - RO Crew

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

Hi maddiew,

Sorry to hear you have not be doing great this week.

It's important to eat well, exercise and be kind to yourself. While not a solution in itself, doing all these things contribute to a higher sense of self-worth, increased stability of moods, and a general better sense of wellbeing - making you feel more happy, on the outside and the inside.

Maybe you could have a look at this story on our site written by a young person about how she has recovered from her eating issues: http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/heres-to-getting-a-life

If you feel like taqlking to someone about what you are going through please do not hesitate to call Kids help Line on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. They are really friendly and you can call anytime 24/7.

All the Best
Roisin - RO Crew

maddiew

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

I didn't eat this week. There is no point anymore.

Alphabet

almost 2 years ago

Reply Report

That is true about the control. There are always issues below the eating disorder and the eating disorder at what ever form or shape it is provides a distraction to the real issues below. So yes to an extent control does play a part for a while anyway. 

Hamid Reza

almost 2 years ago

Reply Report

eating issues are equal to control issues, if some one control their eating beyound the normal measures then they are exerting control over it for other reason but health or look.
learn about yourself and your problems will reduce in size, if you can't understand your self there is help, just pick up the yellow pages and look for a psychologist ,counsellor or a psychiatrist, these people will assisssst you to get to know yourself better.

Becks

over 2 years ago

Reply Report

This factsheet is one of two factsheets that RO offers, that made me realise that my eating behaviours were distorted and destructive, and that I needed to seek help when I did. If it wasn't for this factsheet helping me to realise that I wasn't crazy, and that the only way to overcome my ED was to see help, I know that I wouldn't be here today. This factsheet really helped me, and I'm glad it did, because I'm still here today, and the ED doesn't haunt me as much as it used to.

Email this page

The following message will be sent to your friend:

<Your name> thought you might be interested in this page:
http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/anorexia-nervosa

They said:

Personal note
You can add a personal note to the end of your email

Not a member?
Join Reach Out to access a range of great member features.

Forgot your password?

Close

Member login

Cancel

Not a member? Join Reach Out to access a range of great
member features. Forgot your password?

Close