The other day I was speaking to a friend of mine who used to be an “eating disorder buddy”. We would overexercise, undereat and report all the facts back to each other on what the scale said. I have been recovered for many years now and work actively helping others seek relief in treatment. However, the other day when I was talking to my friend she was having a very hard time and I said (for the millionth time) how about treatment? She told me absolutely not, it’s not a good time. She has her full time job, which she excels at, her new husband, a condo that she needs to decorate, two boards she sits on, plus all of her extra social activities (because naturally she is the head of her social circle).
Unfortunately these protests are all too familiar and they are actually quite textbook when dealing with a person presenting with an addiction or eating disorder. To make matters worse people with eating disorders tend to be perfectionists and overachievers, so people in their life aren’t even so sure they have a problem because they are excelling in every other way. And the eating disordered person is constantly unsure if they really need help anyway. How many times did I tell myself that I would just binge once more and then never do it again?
Admitting you need treatment is a huge step. And real life can definitely stand in your way. However, if there is one thing I regret it is waiting so long to get help and doing it mostly on my own. I didn’t ask people for help, I hated therapy, I didn’t want medicine, and I certainly couldn’t go to a rehab! I was a manager in corporate America- a top producing sales person! Obviously I couldn’t disappear.
But I am telling you what I wish someone told me- get help NOW. Today. Reach out and start calling to seek treatment. And most importantly check your insurance benefits (I had full coverage and didn’t even think for a second I had coverage for an eating disorder so I paid $30,000.00 out of pocket- ouch!). And if you are in a corporate setting check with Human Resources to find out how you can take a leave of absence for a medical emergency (yes this is a medical emergency). Most places of business have Human Resources in place and will have a confidential conversation with you. You will need a doctor to support you, but it is so much easier when you ask for help.
You may think you don’t have that big of a problem (if any), but my advice is to reach out and call a treatment center, call your insurance, call HR, ask your parents for help. It is there and recovery is really not that far off- the sooner you start the sooner this will be over. I promise!
Bridget Loves
I try to tell people this all the time. I was so scared when I went to Rader in Tulsa because I “wasn’t sick enough”–I hadn’t relapsed for a signficant time nor had I lost weight, but all they said was, “We are so thankful you came now rather than waiting.” I PREVENTED a relapse by doing this, and I don’t regret that decision ever.
Hey I have Been Under 1000 calories n purging only 4 a week but only purge when I’m depressed!I don’t think my mom will even care!
I am encouraged you are reaching out. We can help. Give us a call at 1-800-841-1515 where you can speak with one of our counselors confidentially about what is going on. When you call ask for Robin, she is excellent.
Not everyone has parents, friends, insurance, a job, or the ability to pay out of pocket. What do you do then? Getting treatment isn’t a realistic choice for many. It is definitely a privilege to be able to consider it and know it’s an option.
Thank you for your comment/concern. Sometimes there are resources out there that are available and we don’t know it; but by reaching out for help, we are able to find them. Please contact us to discuss further options. (We have a FREE ANAD Support Group that meets on the first Thursday of each month in Calabasas, CA from 6:30p – 7:30p – (818) 880-3755 x 217 – Next Meeting 1/6/11)
For the last 4 years i have struggled with anorexia on and off. I have never lost a significant amount of weight and i don’t even know if that is why i feel the need to stop eating some times. Well when i would starve myself I always said i would never purposefully make myself through up. Well a couple months ago for some reason or another I decided to start doing that. I told myself only once would I do it.. Well Its progressing now and I mean I don’t purge every meal i eat but .. i guess my question is that: Should I seek help? I don’t know if I should because some times I feel like its not bad enough to ask for help.. I’ve tried talking to my sister about eating and how i struggle with it but she doesn’t see that i am struggling. what do you think?
Hi Taylor!! I m Melissa Thanks for being so honest about what you are going through. I am a 17 year survivor of an Eating Disorder and now work for Rader as an Alumni Coordinator. I think we could answer a lot of your questions and put a positive spin on things for you. Feel free to give us a call and ask for Robin or Nyssa…1-800-841-1515.
Smiles!!
Miss Meliss