Asking for help
 

Hi guys,

I was a member of this forum over 10 years ago now which seems crazy to think of how fast time has gone!

I have come back today in hope that I could get some advice from anyone if I could as I really do not know where to turn.

I am 31 years old now (feeling old) and I guess you could say I have suffered with an Eating disorder (AN) for all of my life. I have been inpatient x3 times but have been pretty stable I guess for the past 6 years when I was discharged as an outpatient as the Consultant basically said there was nothing else they could do for me other than to tell me to eat more (super helpful I know).
I guess for me, I know I am never going to be fully recovered given the amount of time I have had this and my age now and I can deal with that but I don't want to live with it to the point where every aspect of my day is consumed by thoughts of food/exercise/weight/routine as it has been lately.

I feel like I have been slipping and struggling with thoughts of wanting to restrict again and I don't know what to do.
I feel like if I ask for help the GP wont take me seriously as I am not critically underweight and I am also scared they will just turn around and say that they cant do anything again.

I have been seeing a therapist recently as I asked for help with depression rather than eating issues but in reality I feel like its my eating problems that are the issue again. Although this therapist is lovely, I feel that she doesnt really have the insight into eating disorders and maybe I need to speak to someone more specialised?

Thank you for reading and I appreciate any responses. Lots of love xx

If you speak to your current therapist about what's going on with eating, they should be able to say whether it's an area they are knowledgeable in or not. If they aren't, they could hopefully coordinate with either your GP or other providers to see what other resources there are.

I know it's hard because eating can impact mood and vice versa, so it can be really hard to figure out what's what. But it sounds like trying to speak to your current therapist about it might be your best bet? Is that an option?

I agree with Auror.

Your GP should take you seriously. If not you could talk to your CMHT about a referral to the Eating Disorder service.

You sound like you're at a place where you will respond to good therapy.

What kind of therapy have you had in the past regarding your eating disorder? I was referred to Cognitive Analytical Therapy which was part of the ED clinic. I know there are waiting lists for this kind of therapy. I'm sorry your Consultant was unhelpful.

Thank you for your advice.

I have had Psychotherapy in the past for 2 years until my therapist retired. That was about 8 years ago though now.

I have spoken to my current therapist about being referred to the ED team (although I am still so very scared about this) but she is going to find out if that is something she can help with or if I have to go through the GP...

One day my head is telling me I don't need help for eating issues and that I am totally fine on my own and Ill just get fat 'blah, blah, blah' then other days I can really see the reality of it all and how isolated it makes me and I feel like I am struggling :(

XX