Eating Disorders Forum - Strange Eating Disorder

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Q: Strange Eating Disorder

asked by: bon on April 21st, 2004

New User

Hello! I am bonnie and I am 17 years old. I have posted on ehealth forum before, but under the category of anxiety/depression. Basically, I am afraid of food. I have always had a lot of food allergies ever since I was a little kid. But, I do know what I am and am not allergic to. Unfortunately I am afraid to eat things, thinking that I might end up being allergic to it and having an allergic reaction to it, stop breathing, and just die. I never use to be this way. I loved food! I wasn't afraid to eat things. But ever since we started moving a lot b/c of my dad's new job I have started developing anxiety. I honestly think when I eat some things I make myself such a nervous wreck about being allergic to it, that I make my body seem as if I am having a reaction to it, which also makes the anxiety act up. I am not on any meds for anxiety/depression. My mother thinks i'd be better off w/o it. I have pretty much learned to calm myself down..But I still worry a lot. I have been battling this food phobia since the end of november 2003. Then I weighed about 145, now i'm at about 115. I am constantly eating the same exact things...Such as mac n cheese, rice krispies, and wendy's burgers, b/c they are my comfort foods and I know i'm not allergic to it. But even though I know i'm not allergic to those things, I still worry some. All I drink is water. I get chest pains a lot, and my heart is always racing. I recently went to the dentist and he found 10 cavities. He said I am malnurished I believe, and that I should be checked for diabetes. My mother and I have noticed that my hair is sheding a lot more now, and that my skin is very dry. I know I need to eat healthier and with more variety..I'm just scared. I actually feel psycotic...And maybe I am? I know my eating habits are wrong and I know they are everytime I eat the same thing. I want to be healthy and live a long life. What should I do? I definately should see a Dr. Maybe even a psychiatrist? But I wouldn't want anyone forcing me to eat. That would only frustrate me! Thanks for anyone's advice/help that you may give me. I hope I can get my life back in order soon! ~bon

Replies(4)

purple333

replied on April 25th, 2004

Extremely eHealthy

Obviously you know you have to eat, so start with deciding what scares you least, what you "like" most & go with those - if needed eat often & little rather than making yourself ill.

I suggest you look into cbt - see posts by qt3 for full explanation of this - course are often free/cheap at universities or hospitals.

bon

replied on April 25th, 2004

New User

Hey..

Thanks for the reply. Well I couldn't find any posts by qt3...And what is cbt? Thanks for your help. ~bon

purple333

replied on April 26th, 2004

Extremely eHealthy

Cbt is cognitive behaviour therapy & according to a male psych I know it is often more helpful to women than men siimply because females are mroe likely to do the homework & practise the skills however men can of course benefit if they put in the effort!!

Qt3 - type in qt3 in the quick search bar at the top of this page & a pile of topic areas that qt3 has posted under will come up otherwise go to depression or anxiety/stress forums & see posts by qt3.

zilbucks

replied on May 1st, 2004

Experienced User

I had a friend who went through a similar situation although definetly not to your extreme. I don't think your reasons of being afraid of food is unfound, as with any seroious allergy, bees etc- people are afraid of what may happen. You know what you are or are not allergic to, so stick with those foods- but choose healthier versions as opposed to junk foods to nourish yourself more, and junk foods as a treat, not a daily menu. See if your dr can provide you with allergy tests on other foods, to relax your fears a bit. I hope I helped a little take care!!!! And eat your food!!! Smile

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