How do I Get Help?

[pink2385]

I asked earlier this month if you believe I have bulimia, and your answer was a most likely/yes. How do push myself to ask for help, and who/how do i ask? I can't do anything like inpatient treatment, because I don't have any time. I don't normally get home until around 7pm on a school day because of swim/waterpolo and work, then i have around 5 hours of honors/ap homework. On the weekends I have to play catch-up with everything. Over the summer I have to do school so that I can get ahead in classes because I don't have enough room in my class schedule, and I might also do cross-country camp.

I'd also rather my parents don't find out...

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear pink2385,

The first step is to tell your parents.  If you feel more comfortable telling one over the other, do that first.  The next step is to get the appropriate care.  Since treatment can be costly, your parents can utilize your insurance or look into affordable treatment.  You will need to see a medical doctor and therapist who specialize in eating disorders to determine the kind of treatment you need.  

You also can guide your parents to the bella vita website, for more information on bulimia and eating disorders.

Best,

Dr. Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA
Woodland Hills, CA

[pink2385]

My hs counselor knows my family somewhat well. Even though she has to keep track of hundreds of students, she knows me by name instantly (bc im an outstanding student, not bc im a bad kid lol).
The thing is, while I want to get better, I don't want to get better at the same time. Also, if I told anyone, especially my parents, they would most likely pull me out of some activities I've been doing, or try to "slow me down."

[KarimiSoup]

Hi pink, i'm not sure if you're in high school or college.  I know colleges have ED counseling and therapists that you can talk to for free.  I'm sure high schools have something similar since these disorders are becoming more and more common.  The counselors don't expect you to come to them every day or even multiple times a week.  They're there to help you and be on your side.  So you should make the time to visit them at least once.

Also, this may sound tough but you should consider talking to your parents about this.  I had ED for a good year or so before i told anyone... that year I didn't tell anyone was by far the worst.  It helps so much to talk to someone about it in person, especially family.

best of luck