Do I Have a Problem?

[summersskin]

I have dabbled in purging after I eat for the past two years. I briefly went to a psychologist for it and it seemed to help for a while but I've been doing it more the past year or so. Though I never do it everyday and I don't go and binge out on thousands of calories, I am obsessed with my weight and constantly plan out my doiets (which always fail; these being signs of eating disorders. I know I exhibit signs of an eating disorder but I would never want to undermine a serious condition like bulimia just because I have some body issues. Should I seek further help?

[YogaRunner]

Yes, please get help. You don't have to be purging everyday or every meal for food issues to be a problem. For me, I used my food issues as a poor coping mechanism for the stress in my life. (More like an avoidance mechanism)  Working with a therapist can help you uncover what is at the root of your food issues so that you can live a life that doesn't revolve around a scale or the next piece of food you think you should or shouldn't eat.

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear Summersskin,

Being that this is an ongoing issue and that its becoming more and more prevalent in your life it would be a good idea to seek professional help before the situation continues to progress. The Bella Vita has a free online eating disorder survey that can help you determine what stage you are at and what treatment options are available to you.

With proper help and treatment your life can be so much more than constantly planning your next diet. You may want to go to The Bella Vita website to review what goes into having an eating disorder and treatment options.  

Best, Dr Patricia Pitts, PhD  The Bella Vita  Los Angeles, CA

[Zoelula]

I have a feeling you already know the answer: Yes, you should seek further help. The thing with eating disorders is that they do tend to get worse if untreated. But the good news, is that the earlier in the progression of the disease they are caught, the more likely is full recovery. So I wouldn't hesitate on treatment because "it isn't that bad yet". I now have sixteen years recovery from my eating disorder, but I didn't get there until I had spent a huge part of my life suffering; I wish I'd done it sooner.

You said it seemed to help when you went to a psychologist briefly. So that is a good sign that you should do that again, maybe you can even resume with the same therapist. Don't put it off, you deserve recovery!