Eating sand and paper *probably not a trig* please help. *update - spoken to psych*

pixie*lyssie · 09-05-2008, 02:03 PM

We got a new sand pit and I have been eating the sand... I also eat paper from my diary and I like the taste of them. I find this addictive.

Is there something wrong with me? What is this called?
PLEASE HELP!

Lyssie xx

griddlebone · 09-05-2008, 02:15 PM

Its called Pica.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pica_(disorder)

Wonderland. · 09-05-2008, 02:23 PM

what ^^ said.
i used to eat the leaves off the trees and also paper.
idk why though but your not alone.

amy x

Steel Maiden · 09-05-2008, 06:34 PM

Pica, definitely. I've read about it.

craola · 09-05-2008, 09:23 PM

Yes it is called Pica, the Wikipedia information makes it sound quite scary, its actually normally classed as an Eating Disorder. Its a result of all sorts of situations, pregnant women craving non-edible substances, sometimes anorexia and bulimia are co-morbid along side it, developmental disturbances, psychological issues, it may be a mineral deficiency etc. Whatever it is its important you speak to a doctor about it as there are health risks with ingesting non edible foods, especially if you have started eating sand as you don't know how clean it is.
They can then find the cause and treat it accordingly :)
Its nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about at all though, if you like the taste its likely you have a vitamin deficiency which is easily fixed :)

juliaNJ · 10-05-2008, 03:28 AM

Get on a good multi-vitamin with iron. This should subside. It is amazing how the body "knows" what to crave based on imbalances. When I was pregnant, I used to look at rocks and salivate. I later realized this was due to my iron deficiency (anemia). To this day, when I look at gravel and feel hungry I realize it is time for a big steak...even though I really do try and not eat meat. Do you have a nutritionist you can speak with?

pixie*lyssie · 10-05-2008, 01:21 PM

Help I can't stop eating sand my mum is bound to notice the sand disapearing. I don't know what to do.

Thank you for your replies I will tell my psychiatrist about this because I think it is getting out of control and can't control my urges. It's like I've stopped cutting myself and so I have to pay. I feel sick. I felt sick yestetday but I still carried on. *cries*

Sleepless123 · 10-05-2008, 01:36 PM

Hey i think you were really brave for posting this and thank you for sharing.i wish i had something more useful to say but please please do see and tell your doctor and also feel free to PM me anytime.i am a bit worried about you.Please keep us updated on how you are doing.

Fitzwilliam · 10-05-2008, 01:42 PM

I also eat paper too, and have thought this was strange but it's now normal for me.
But I'm not too sure on the sand, I would speak to your doctor about it. Please tell us how it goes if you tell someone.

pixie*lyssie · 10-05-2008, 01:54 PM

Thank you, I will deffo let you know how it goes. I am so not gonna tell my CPN she'll just say 'errr why are you eating sand?' and I'll be all like >>> *worried face*... I will tell my psychiatrist, I am supposed to be seeing him next month but I think I'll bring the appt forward as there are a few things I want to talk to him about so yeah... Thank you again guys, you're tha best. It's really getting me down now because I can't stop myself.
*hugs* Lyssie xx

Steel Maiden · 10-05-2008, 02:40 PM

Good luck. I hope it goes well.

Isoverity · 10-05-2008, 08:26 PM

Cats often use sand boxes/pits to do you-know-what. I would eat something else because cats can carry some nasty stuff (I once met a senior lady who went blind at 5 from disease she caught from cat playing in her sand)

craola · 11-05-2008, 01:57 PM

^ Thats why you need to speak to someone, paper is not going to do you too much harm, but outside you never know what has been there and as Jack said cats frequent Sandpits because they are like litter trays, as do foxes. There all sorts of things you can catch which is why its important you seek support :)

butterfly hearts · 12-05-2008, 12:24 PM

Sounds like pica to me. Yes, you are brave for posting :) i'm sure i speak for all of us here when i say it's appreciated that you shared this, as i know it is something that people can relate to, but maybe were too sceared to post themselves!

I do not suffer from this myself, but i do eat scabs off my body :S which is embarrassing and kind of discusting :(, but i might as well follow your lead and share! lol

xoxo

pixie*lyssie · 15-05-2008, 06:59 PM

I also eat the scabs off my body. *hugs*

I have stopped eating the sand and am eating more paper. I can't help it *cries*

craola · 15-05-2008, 08:45 PM

Well the paper is safer than the sand but you need to speak to someone about it, could you make an appointment with your GP? Hey you live right near me! *Waves* You do need to get this sorted asap, I don't know the health risks of eating paper but they can't be good.

butterfly hearts · 16-05-2008, 04:25 AM

my mom had a kid in the class she taught, and he eat paper all the time. He later had to have an oporation as he got it stuck in a lump in his intestine. I don't mean to scear you by saying this, i just mean to suggest that there are risks associated with it, and that's a good reason to get it sorted yeah.

I didn't know anyone else eat scabs :( *hugs* I get so embarrassed saying that. At least we're not the only ones! xoxo

pixie*lyssie · 16-05-2008, 09:49 AM

Aww don't be embarassed.

HEY CRAOLA: *waves lots* I am new to Guildford and I do like it here. *big grin*

Oporation? wow that's scary, I dont want another one of those I've already been through 2 majour surgeries *scared*. I will *try* and stop eating so much paper.
Thank you xx

butterfly hearts · 16-05-2008, 10:07 AM

Alyssa, i have recently taken up chewing gum....and when i say 'chewing' i chew like there's no tomorrow like a crazy posessed woman LOL works for me!
Maybe you could try it? but you'd have to promise yourself you would spit it out after yeah....

xoxo

pixie*lyssie · 16-05-2008, 03:34 PM

I tend to swallow chewing gum *blush*

Anyway guys I have spoken to my psychiatrist on the phone and he said we need to do something about it before it really gets out of hand. He said it sounds like Pica and he's going to get the psychologist involved and talk to them and see if we can sort something out. I am a little bit relieved to be honest, I never told anyone before...

Thank you guys I'll still let you know how it goes with the psychologist. =)