TeenHealthFX - Answers - On The Brink Of Developing An Eating Disorder

Eating Disorders / Question
Published: October 20, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I was looking at your Eating Disorder page, and saw so many questions with great answers, but none that really applied to me. I'm 15 years old, and thin. My friends always tell me how jealous they are of how thin I am, but I don't always approve my own body image. Is that normal? Some days, I feel great, but other days, I'll wear a t-shirt to school to cover up all of the fat and imperfections I see. I do NOT have an eating disorder; I am perfectly healthy and eat very well. As silly as it may sound, I am thinking about developing one. I know an eating disorder isn't something you decide to get... it's something that develops over time. I think my eating disorder is in the works, and I'm getting to the point where I'm beginning to eat less and less. I'm scared. I think about it all the time and I don't want to be called an "anorexic" or a "bulimic". I don't want to tell people in the future that I used to have a "disorder". But I can't just tell my body "DON'T BECOME ANOREXIC!!!!!". I can't do that because my eyes are seeing something grotesque, fat, and ugly, even though that thing probably doesn't exist. I just can't get that image out of my mind! And another thing... the days that I see myself as an unsightly human being greatly outnumber the days where I am confident in myself. Can you please help me on how to prevent an eating disorder and help me realize the consequences of them?

Signed: On The Brink Of Developing An Eating Disorder

Dear On The Brink Of Developing An Eating Disorder,

TeenHealthFX thinks that it is very important for you to reach out for help with this before it turns into a serious problem for you. It sounds like as of now you have not developed any behavioral patterns or rituals related to an eating disorder – and since treatment will be much easier for you before these behaviors are in place, and not all physical damage resulting from an eating disorder is reversible, it is important to get help for yourself now. FX recommends that you meet with a therapist, preferably one with experience in working with teenagers when it comes to issues around self-esteem and eating so that you can address the negative way in which you view your physical appearance.

FX also recommends that you speak to your parents about this. It is important that they know how you have been feeling and what your current concerns are so that they can get you the help you need and learn how to be there for you in a helpful and supportive way.

Keep in mind that untreated eating disorders can have many negative results. They can affect relationships with family members and peers, impact a person’s participation in school and extra-curricular activities, and most importantly, significantly impact a person’s emotional and physical well-being. For a list of complications related to anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, please read below:

Anorexia Nervosa

Physical complications can include:

Death
Anemia
Heart problems, such as mitral valve prolapse, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure
Bone loss, increasing risk of fractures later in life
Lung problems resembling emphysema
In females, absence of a period
In males, decreased testosterone
Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating or nausea
Electrolyte abnormalities, such as low blood potassium, sodium and chloride
Kidney problems
If a person with anorexia becomes severely malnourished, every organ in the body can sustain damage, including the brain, heart and kidneys. This damage may not be fully reversible, even when the anorexia is under control.

Related mental health issues can include:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Personality disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorders
Drug abuse

Bulimia Nervosa

Physical complications can include:

Death
Anemia
Heart problems, such as abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure
Tooth decay
In females, absence of a period
Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating or nausea
Electrolyte abnormalities, such as low blood potassium, sodium and chloride

Related mental health issues can include:

Depression
Suicide
Anxiety disorders
Drug abuse
Alcohol abuse
Excessive stress
Self-injury behaviors

So talk to your parents, reach out for help from professionals and ensure that you address these issues before they turn into something much more serious.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

If you live in northern New Jersey you can also contact the Eating Disorders Program at Atlantic Health at 908-522-5757 for more information and to set up an evaluation.

In addition, you can contact the National Eating Disorders Association at 1-800-931-2237 for more information and referral services.

Signed: TeenHealthFX