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Disordered Eating
Im 13. I never got diagnosed with an eating disorder and don’t want to assume I had one, but I did fall into a harmful cycle of eating laxatives in order to lose weight. When I ran out of those, I started dieting, restricting, and waiting until 1 pm to eat food. When school started in September I was skipping meals and eating minimal food. I got better sometime in October, having a few cases of forcing myself to throw up after comments were made by my parents in November. The last few weeks I have been feeling off, eating less and less food, restricting more. I have access to the ‘ballerina dieting tea’ which is a laxative in drink form. Im afraid I am falling back into that cycle. I don’t know if I should tell a school counselor about the issue as Im afraid that of being sent to a facility which has happened to other kids who came out about those issues. I don’t want my parents to know about these issues but I am terrified of falling back into my disordered eating habits (I do think I have an unspecified type of OSFED but I am not trying to self diagnose. It’s just what I’ve seen from my personal research.)
It sounds to me that you would like to get some help. Do you think your parents would want to know if you were going through something like this? If you feel you can’t talk to them then you should speak to your school counselor.
Please don’t assume that you would be placed in a facility. You would be assessed by a doctor and therapist to see what would be best for you.
If you would like to talk about this further please reach out through our app, if you can text or call our number. It is 888-222-2228. We are here to help.
It takes a lot of courage to share what you’re going through, and I want you to know that your feelings are valid and important. It sounds like you’re facing a really challenging situation, and it’s understandable to feel scared about falling back into harmful habits, especially when it comes to your eating.
It's good that you're aware of these patterns and how they affect you. Recognizing when you're slipping back into old behaviors is a crucial first step. It’s also important to know that you’re not alone in this; many people struggle with similar issues.
Talking to a school counselor can be a helpful option, but it’s completely understandable to be concerned about what that might lead to. You deserve support without feeling like you’re going to be forced into something you’re not ready for. If you do decide to speak with someone, you can express your fears and concerns about confidentiality and what you’re comfortable with. Counselors are there to help you, and they can work with you to find the right path forward.
If you're not ready to talk to someone at school, consider confiding in a trusted friend or looking for online support groups where you can share your experiences safely. Having someone to talk to can be incredibly helpful in processing your feelings and finding healthier coping mechanisms.
Take a moment to think about what you need right now—whether that’s someone to listen, strategies to cope, or just a safe space to express yourself. It’s okay to ask for help, and it doesn’t mean you’re weak or that you have to go through anything you’re not ready for.
Remember, you are worthy of care and support. Prioritize your well-being, and be gentle with yourself during this difficult time. You deserve to feel safe and healthy, and there are people who can help you navigate this journey. Whatever you choose to do, know that it's okay to take it one step at a time. You are stronger than you think, and reaching out for help is a brave step forward.
I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It sounds like you're going through a really challenging time, and it's important to know that you're not alone. Your feelings are valid, and reaching out for support can make a big difference. Talking to a school counselor could be a helpful step, even if it feels scary. They’re there to help you, and they can provide guidance without jumping to conclusions. Remember, you deserve to feel healthy and happy, and there are people who care about you and want to help. Take care of yourself, and know that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
This is a safe space to share what's on your mind and to get support from real people.
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