I’m 34 years old and for the last 20 years I have battled with an eating disorder. Despite studying psychology and mental health and looking into every body else’s problems, I hid mine away as something I could control. I really should have known better but that’s the nature of the problem. Join me as I start reaching (and at times pleading) for professional help; tell my family and friends; and challenge the stigma associated with all mental health issues.
I primarily suffer with Binge Eating Disorder, although most eating disorders are related and people often switch between different categories over time. You’d think that if I was going to switch to another it would be Bulimia Nervosa as it also involves binging, however I have a couple of times switched to Anorexia Nervosa. The underlying feelings I have about myself never really changed and even my feelings about food didn’t change much either – it was just the way I tried to control my relationship with food that differed.
It takes over my life. I look at other people that are twice my size and I still think I’m bigger. I constantly obsess about food and my my size and my weight. I eat virtuously most of the time, especially in front of others, but in secret I have these overwhelming urges to eat that can last for hours until I give in.
If you are reading this and you still feel ‘I just don’t get it, why doesn’t she stop’, please read up on it:
NHS Choices on Eating Disorders – read about all eating disorders, not just mine. They are all linked.
B-Eat – A charity for Eating Disorders which also explains about them and has tips for family and friends.
Follow me on twitter: nomnomhelp
I nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award.
Thank you Cherished, that’s the second Nomination I’ve received now! I have been carefully working out who my nominees are going to be…
Whoops! sorry, should have provided you with a link re: the award:
http://cherished79.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/liebster-blog-award/
Hey, nominated you for a leibster award xx
Thank you! Wow, you are my 4th Nominator! I really need to work on my replies xx
That’s because you deserve it. Don’t feel pressure. Don’t need to answer, I’ll read the others so you are no overloaded!! It’s like your 4th Oscar. One speech will do for me lovely. And thanks for your wise words on the ‘mean girls.’ I think you’ve hit the nail on the head xx
I understand everything you said, here. I don’t binge, I do the opposite. I hate food, it makes me sick, literally, and makes me fat, even though everyone else says I’m far from fat. That is NOT what I see in the mirror. I do try to stay away from mirrors because I hate what I see when I get a glimpse of myself. I get it. I’d like to walk this journey with you. I think we would be great support for each other. Hope today was a “good” one for you. 🙂
Peace,
Tammy
I’ve been this way since the age of 5. WTF?
Hi Tammy, I’m so sorry for not getting back to you. I have taken a little time out from my blog and have only just read your message. NomNom is now back 🙂 I really hope you are well x
Hi, no worries on how long it takes to get back to me because I just got done being away from WP for a few weeks because I’m sick and having some medical issues that need to be addressed, soon, so I can keep out of the worthless ER. I think everyone has to step back away from their blogs every now and again. Get a clear mind and then figure out what to write next. I’m having a terrible time coming up with something to write, but I’m going to force myself to write something soon. Glad to hear that NomNom is in the house! Good to have you back. Hope you are feeling “better.” Take care. Sending you lots of hugs and sunshine.
Peace out!
Hi there,
I’ve loved reading your blog. I was just wondering if you’d be intererested in joining a new project I’m starting to raise awareness of mental health and raise some money for charity.
Please see the page below for more details and comment on it if you’d like to be apart of it.
https://bylaurenhayley.wordpress.com/the-mental-health-art-auction/
Thanks,
Lauren