hey, this is my story about my worries. im 15, and a freshman. the beauty standard is basically look like a supermodel from the moment puberty begins. I took a test a while ago about an eating disorder, since I was concerned about my health. the test came back and told me I had anorexia nervousa, and when I looked into it I had been showing a lot of the symptoms. im not sure if I do have one though; I won’t eat in the day unless my mom cooks something and we all have to eat, but even then it pains me to finish everything.
HELP YOURSELF:
- Thank you for reaching out the Teen Central. Appearance and eating are really personal topics, and we are glad you are finding some support and help here.
- Dealing with any problem can sometimes become overwhelming. If that same problems starts to feel unsolvable, some people start to feel helpless or hopeless. If you ever start to feel this way, there is help for you 24/7 – you can call 1-800-273-8255 or text HELLO to 741741. Someone is always there to listen.
- Do you have anyone that you trust in your life that you could talk to about your worries? Having someone listen to us, even if they can’t solve the problem for us, reminds us that we’re not alone and can give us a boost of hope that can help get through hard times. Try talking to someone about your fears and what you have learned about your symptoms. This person may be able to help you figure out your next step.
CONSIDER THIS:
- We have a section about Eating Disorders in LEARN that we’d encourage you to check out. It sounds like you already have some information about eating disorders, but tapping into multiple sources can help you know you have good information.
- You already did some research, but we still want to give you some resources – especially about getting some help. Because that’s really important! Eating problems are usually related to other tough stressors in your life and how you’re trying to deal with them. The patterns you get into trying to manage your painful feelings through eating can quickly become overwhelming. The first step you may want to consider is calling a hotline. There are many devoted specifically to eating problems and disorders and can be the first step to finding someone in your area that can help. Here are some to consider: texting NEDA to 741741 will put you in contact with a crisis worker that also has training in eating problems; the National Eating Disorders Association has a website to connect with someone Contact the Helpline | National Eating Disorders Association or you can call 1-800-931-2237.
- Please consider taking at least 10 minutes a day to do something that helps you recharge and relieve your stress. This can be any activity that you enjoy – taking a walk outside, music, art, writing, talking with friends – it can be anything that’s fun and relaxing!
