Dear katymo,
Nutrition rehabilitation is the first step to recovery. With limited resources, medical hospitalization is the best plan. As you receive the necessary nutrients, you can be closely monitored medically. With proper nutrition, you’ll be less anxious, less depression, cognitively more clear, etc. Being stabilized physically will give you the opportunity to deal with the emotional and spiritual dynamics. I would strongly urge you to take the leap of faith and enter a medical hosipital, preferably one that is familiar with eating disorders.
To learn more about anorexia and treatment levels of care, visit the bella vita website.
Best,
Dr. Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA
I am thisclose to going into the hospital, the only thing is I don't know if I go to a mental hospital if they'll make me go into a regular hospital. I'd like to start a meds plan so I can get my head right. I'm only on Medicaid and am not sure how far that will go. I'm really unsure of what to do. I know I need intense treatment any way I turn! I'm really overwhelmed and hopeless at this point.
Dear katymo,
Intuitively, you are correct. Even though you are driven to exercise and have difficulty gaining weight, you need to stop all exercising. Your body is weakened. You are vulnerable to heart problems, even death.
Trying to deal with your anorexia on an outpatient level is asking way too much of you. Anorexia is a complex disorder. You are not to blame. It’s genetic, personality traits, relational and spiritual.
You need intensive eating disorder treatment. At 5’2” and 78 lbs, your BMI is 14.3. The American Psychiatric Association Guidelines for Eating Disorders, 3rd Edition would say you need to be hospitalized for treatment.
To learn more about anorexia and treatment levels of care, visit the bella vita website.
Best,
Dr. Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA