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What should I do if my family and friends don't think I have a eating disorder but I think I do ?

20 Answers
Last Updated: 09/16/2019 at 4:31pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jill Kapil, PsyD

Psychologist

I have over 9 years of clinical experience, specialize in anxiety, and am passionate about my work. My approach is collaborative, empathic, supportive, and goal-oriented.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
March 18th, 2015 2:55pm
Research about eating disorders and if your suspicions are confirmed I would seek help either through a school counselor or look into therapy or some sort of support group. Don't be afraid to get help, you have to make yourself your number one priority.
Raindrops
January 27th, 2015 6:44pm
If you think you have an eating disorder, you should definitely consult an adult you trust. This can sometimes be really difficult, but it is an incredibly important first step in your journey of getting better. Generally speaking, this would be your family, but if your family is not taking you seriously, you should consult your doctor, your school psychologist, or even a friend. The most important thing is to reach out to someone, even if you aren't completely sure if you have an eating disorder or not.
Anonymous
September 16th, 2019 4:31pm
If your family and friends don't think you have an eating disorder but you think you do, it is important not to ignore your feelings. Support from your family and friends is sure important and helpful but there are also other kinds of support, like counselling. Plus it could be interesting to go there with one of your relatives, so they can know more about what you feel. Giving them information on eating disorders may also be of help, as there are a lot of false information and opinions on eating disorders and they could understood they are wrong because not enough informed. Finally, asking them to just support you no matter what they believe could also be helpful.
compassionateCandy48
July 16th, 2018 6:10am
Let them know that what you are dealing with is serious. If you Strongly believe that is what you have you should seek help immediately.
HannahBackward
June 25th, 2018 12:32am
You know yourself better than anyone, and if you feel that something is wrong, you have the right to seek help regardless of others' opinions.
kaytykat8
April 10th, 2018 3:27pm
Try and talk to your doctor. They know best, and if you have a good one, they'll listen to your concerns and help you find the diagnosis that is best for you. Once you have a diagnosis, it'll be easier to get treatment and support.
Anonymous
April 10th, 2018 3:22am
I'd always recommend sitting them down and talking to them. If they don't understand explain what your eating disorder means, how it shows, how it affects you and what they can do to help you. If they still don't believe you find a support net, a group of people taht do understand you. Visit group therapy for example
LJSharp
November 20th, 2017 8:41pm
Have an open conversation with them and tell them deep down how you really feel. Express your concerns and your worries and discuss with them what you can do to determine whether you do have one or not.
Anonymous
June 27th, 2017 3:35am
You know you best. If you think you need help, or you think something is wrong, seek help. Whether it be an online resource, or someone you can speak to face to face. It's better to be sure of something so serious. I'd recommend doing as much research as you can, and speaking to someone. If you can't speak to someone in your area, there are numerous online therapists to turn turn to.
Nicolecanhelp
April 18th, 2017 8:32pm
Please get some help even if you don't see it they are seeing the signs you need help please do this for you
Anonymous
May 30th, 2016 6:09am
You know yourself better than anyone else can know you. Most people with an eating disorder take extra effort to ensure that their disorder stays hidden from anyone else, so if you have come to the point where you believe you have an eating disorder then you should begin to take steps to make sure that you address it and begin to seek out the help that you need. The longer you allow it to grow the harder it will be to recover from in the long run. You are worth help and you deserve recovery!
xXScreenSaverXx
April 26th, 2016 5:29pm
If you think you have an eating disorder, talk to your family/friends! They can help, but if you don't feel comfortable doing this, talk to a counsellor or therapist. Do what you feel right with, but don't just keep it to yourself!
hereifyouneedahug
January 26th, 2016 3:45pm
Talk to a doctor, and see what they think. If you can't get to one, try a school councilor or some adult that can help you if you end up do having one. Your family and friends might not want to accept the fact that someone they know is hurting. Good luck!
Anonymous
November 24th, 2015 10:19pm
No one knows you better than you know yourself. Your friends and family can't see all of your thoughts or all of your behaviours, only you know the full picture. If you are concerned about your thoughts or behaviours, seek help from a professional. Eating disorders are the deadliest mental illness and can be very dangerous. Don't let your friends or family discourage you from seeking help.
HereComesTheSun7
August 4th, 2015 5:47pm
It helps to talk with someone about what you feel, I am glad because you are on the page looking for improve, your parents or friends can don't see it in the same way as you, it is you who know how are your eating habits and only you can change for the better. Talk to a psychologist or doctor could guide you right through this. Remember that only you can change your habits for the better but you're not alone, here is always someone supporting you.
Brittneym101
July 20th, 2015 2:36am
In situations such as this one it's best to get concrete proof regarding the problem that you think you have. Regardless of what other people think, when it comes to your health and something that you're concerned about it's best to listen to your instincts and consult a health care professional and/or primary physician. Eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes they're noticeable sometimes they're not, so you may very well have the issue that you seem to think that you have.
Anonymous
June 17th, 2015 6:38am
I believe you should sit down and have a mature and calm conversation with your friends and family. Especially with your family, so they take you to someone so you can overcome it.
DailyCupOfTay
May 20th, 2015 7:19pm
In my opinion, I would talk to your doctor. I had the same problem with depression. I knew I was unhappy and needed help but my parents thought I was just being moody, so I went to my doctor and explained how I was feeling and sure enough she said they were symptoms and got me the help I needed!
DreamBig012
May 16th, 2015 7:23pm
Explain to them how you are feeling and request they try and understand, family and friends often do not understand emotional factors of eating disorders and can instead focus on physical factors such as weight and how often they see you eating. Seeking help from a doctor and explaining your concerns can help you to understand what you are experiencing and why, as well as ways to try and improve any negative impacts it is having on your life.
Adsul
May 12th, 2015 8:22pm
If there are any concerns and ideation in regards to eating disorders, seek a trusted qualified professional. It is important to seek help from someone who has the knowledge and experience to help you deal with all of your concerns after diagnosing you properly. If your family and friends do not think you have an eating disorder but you do, it is essential to remember that you are the owner of your health. In all, I would recommend to not seek confirmation from others and instead focus on finding your mental, sentimental, and biological health.