Not sure
I feel unsure about whether im going through arfid or just a picky eater, but recently theres been a lot of new side effects and such like my appetite is at an all time low as well as my nausea when eating is heightened. And I dont really know how to go about this because I want to know what's going on, but I dont want to get it diagnosed with my parents knowing.
@reii1
😕
I'm sorry you are struggling and dont want to let your parents know.
They is not allowing you to get the support you need 💙
Hi! They can seem very similar and it’s normal to confuse them :)
Picky Eating: A normal behavioral preference or developmental phase.The person usually accepts and eats a baseline of at least 30 or more different foods. Picky eating rarely causes weight loss.
ARFID: A formal, diagnosed clinical eating disorder. The person relies on an extremely limited list, often restricted to fewer than 10 to 15 "safe" foods.There is a high risk of severe weight loss, major nutritional deficiencies, or a reliance on supplements and feeding tubes. It causes severe anxiety, frequently leading the person to completely avoid restaurants, parties, or family meals.
ARFID:
Sensory Sensitivity: Extreme aversion to how certain foods feel, smell, look, or taste. A specific texture (like mushy foods or meat fibers) can trigger an intense, physical gag reflex.
Fear of Aversive Consequences: Deep-seated anxiety that eating will cause physical harm. This often develops after a traumatic event like a severe choking episode, a bad bout of food poisoning, or chronic, painful acid reflux.
Lack of Interest: A genuine lack of appetite or complete indifference to food. Eating feels like a grueling chore rather than a biological drive or pleasure.
That’s basically the main differences, if you’re unsure about what you’re experiencing maybe it’s worth starting a food journal? Writing down your thoughts and emotions that are connected to eating may help you better recognise the pattern.
If you need any additional help you can text me and we can go over some of the thoughts that you’re experiencing :)
