6Aug/11Off
How and where do I get help for an eating disorder?
I've had binge eating disorder for 3 years now, and I'm done. It's only getting worse and I need help. Where do I go for help and how much would it cost? Also how do I do this without my parents finding out (I'm 18, going to college in the fall). My parents absolutely can't know, I'd rather keep living with my disorder than telling them, so please don't suggest anything of the sort.
August 6th, 2011 - 17:38
Hello :)
I found an article entitled, "Do I Have An Eating Disorder?"
You already know the answer to that questions since you said you’ve been dealing with this for 3 years.
But this article doesn’t only help you identify whether you have one or not, it helps you "take action" (as they word it) and get help.
Let me just say that I think it is very mature & smart of you to decide you need to stop! That’s a good sign that this may not be as hard as it would be for others who deny they have a problem all together.
I’m going to paste a section of this article in here, just to get you started.
It’s under the subheading, "Take Action Now"
Take Action Now!
The first step is to admit to yourself that you have a problem. “After thinking about it,” Danielle says, “I realized that I had the same feelings and habits as girls with anorexia. It was scary to come face-to-face with the fact that I did the same things that they did.”
Next, pray about your plight.% Implore him for insight as to what is behind your disorder so that you can conquer it. You can pray as did David: “Search through me, O God, and know my heart. Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way, and lead me in the way of time indefinite.”
On the other hand, you might find that you are reluctant to leave your eating disorder behind. You may have become dependent on it, much like an addiction. This is another matter to take in prayer. That is what Danielle had to do. “At first,” she admits, “I didn’t really want to recover. So I had to pray for the desire to get better.”
(Pay EXTRA ATTENTION To this part (: )Third, talk to a parent or other adult who is in a position to help you. Caring adults will not shame you. Rather, they will strive to imitate God, of whom the Bible states: “He has neither despised nor loathed the affliction of the afflicted one; and he has not concealed his face from him, and when he cried to him for help he heard.
I hope all this will help you & that you will read this article in your spare time. I really think it will help. I hope everything gets better for you!!
:)
http://watchtower.org/e/200610a/article_01.htm
August 6th, 2011 - 17:38
Since you’re eighteen, there is no reason for them to have to know: you are a legal adult, and you have the right to medical confidentiality.
The college you will be going to will have counselors who are familiar with eating disorders. They’re very common in students, and they should be able to help you or point you to help in your area.
The link I included is meant to be completely anonymous aside from the name you tell the people at the group (you can make up a new name, use your middle name, or do anything you want in that regard). They have regular online meetings, which might be easier for you to attend without anyone knowing.
There are a lot of online resources. Just be careful: there are a lot of pro-ED sites now.
I recovered mostly on my own, but I don’t recommend that (I couldn’t find online help back then and I was prevented from seeking treatment at a center or with a therapist, even though I badly needed it). Having people to support you is the best way to actually get SUCCESSFUL help.
August 6th, 2011 - 17:38
I would find out what your insurance is and call and ask about mental health benefits. Unfortunately, eating disorders fall under mental health and benefits are not as generous as they are for physical health. Find out if your primary doctor can help you find a specialist and refer you somewhere. They have residential programs for binge eating disorder but it sounds like you don’t want your parents to know. Otherwise they might have some support groups or outpatient programs in the city you are going to college in. I would make a doctor’s appointment and talk to him/her about what your options are. There are also many 12-Step meetings for eating disorders that are free, and they have Overeaters Anonymous meetings, look online to see where they might be by where you live.
First and foremost I would see your doctor to make sure the eating disorder has not done any physical damage that is an immediate threat to your health! Talk to your doctor and figure out what your insurance covers as far as a therapist or dietitian is concerned. Once you get to college they might be able to have college health centers that can help you or give you referrals that are included in your tuition. Good luck! So sorry you are struggling so much. :-(