How do you get help from an eating disorder without anyone knowing?

Q. I've been struggling with eating disorders for about three years, and only a couple of my friends know about it. Recently, it's been getting worse, and I know that I need help. But I really don't want my parents to know because it will break their hearts. Is there any way to get treated without my parents finding out?

A. I can relate to how you want to do it on your own.
I hope that you can.
Please know that your parents love you very much.
Please try and believe that they already are trying to figure out how to help you...they just don't know what it is.
*it only breaks a parents heart when we don't let them in and let them help us!*
***When I needed help with a problem, I called all my family members and friends and told them what was going on, and what my plan of action was, asked them not to judge, and to just support me.***
(of course they cried, but they were relieved that they could be supportive and helpful!)

Good luck, and you are never alone.
There are groups, individual counseling, and treatment centers.
*anytime you see a doctor it's confidential.* ;)

Well here are some resource sites I found:

National Eating Disorders Association
The Role of Educators in Early Intervention of Eating Disorders ... Information on eating disorders and treatment referrals will be easier than ever ...
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Eating Disorders | Anorexia | Bulimia | Binge Eating Disorder ...
Resources on anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating, including signs and symptoms, recovery information, cultural issues, and treatment finder. Dedicated to ...
www.something-fishy.org - Cached

Support groups sound like a good idea. How do I go about finding the 'right' one for me?
Q. For self-injury/eating disorders/manic depression... Thoughts?

A. Dear Tami,

Find a possible community or an online group of "peers' - others who have "been there," in terms of their sharing your experience with the problem. Make sure that the group is welcoming, accepting, supportive, and positive. In other words, do you feel that the group is "for you"?


Unfortunately there's no major national community support group for persons who SELF-INJURY. So, you'll need to check out the online groups. One that appears to have good qualities is...

"Secret Shame: Self Injury Information & Support"
Scroll down to bottom of homepage to see links to their message board, separate e-mail lists for self-injurers, their family and friends, and for IRC chats (Note: "bus" stands for "bodies under siege"). They have extensive information resource on self-injury and self-abuse. Resources for how to recovery from self-abuse, to include resources for families members or friends of abusers. Ask your questions, and be sure to join in helping others there too.

One for those who use a 12-step program for their recovery...
Self-Mutilators Anonymous (SMA)
http://www.selfmutilatorsanonymous.webs.com
A fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from physical self mutilation. Information resources. Online chat group meetings available a few nights a week.


For EATING DISORDERS, there are a couple of national support group organizations to check out and see if they have any local support group anywhere near you...

"National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders"
http://www.anad.org/get-help/support-groups/
Has over 125+ free ANAD support groups, an online Discussion forum and will assists individuals in the formation of new self-help support groups in your area if there isn't one and you're interested in joining with others to start one. They also have a telephone helpline - 630-577-1330 - for those affected by eating disorders, and they can provide referrals to local therapists and treatment centers that specialize in eating disorders.

"Eating Disorders Anonymous"
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org
A 12-step fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from their eating disorders. Offers local support group referrals online. Has chatroom and phone support.
Focuses on the solution, not the problem. Endorses sound nutrition.

Something Fishy â "Remember It Hurts Bulletin Boards"
http://www.something-fishy.org/online/bulletinboard.php
Support for those in recovery from anorexia, bulimia, overeating and binge-eating. Also offers chat capabilities, and a variety of other information and resources.


In terms of MANIC-DEPRESSION, your very best bet for both community and online groups, is...

"The national Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance" (DBSA)
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=support_findsupportlanding
Mutual support and information for persons with depression and bipolar disorder, and their families through their many community support groups across the country, and their online and phone mutual support networks. Their website has plenty of other resorces and information.


I hope a few of these may be helpful to you in your recoverying from these disorders and getting your life back.

It a great time, with this new year, to get your life back. Best to in your effort.

Take good gentle care, - Ed

How many people die each year from eating disorders?
Q. And do you have any more statistics about it?

A. Sadly, we do not have clear statistics, as many people who die from their eating disorders have listed as the cause of death other conditions, such as cardiac complications as the cause of death, thus skewing the numbers. National epidemiological studies are needed for determining the natural history, morbidity, and mortality of all eating disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorders and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified). There is a particular need for clearer information about mortality rates, especially for anorexia nervosa.

That said, here are some stats that might help you out:

* Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness
* A study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported that 5 â 10% of anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease; 18-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years and only 30 â 40% ever fully recover
* The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15 â 24 years old.
* 20% of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems




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