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SolarShadow
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01 Jun 2010, 1:16 pm

Ok, I'll admit I'm not sure if my post goes here but I need help and it doesn't seem to fit anywhere else.

Now to figure out how to phrase this in a way that wont result in too much laughter...

First and foremost (if not the only real problem) I find I may be developing a major eating disorder to the point where I've lost nearly 10 pounds in less than 2 weeks, which I realize sounds like a cheap weight loss commercial, but considering the fact that I already bordered being underweight before this is by no means a good thing. Though an issue with calling it an eating disorder is that from what reading I've done on it, most eating disorders are based on wanting to be thin/pretty. So to clear this up immediately I had no issue at all with my original weight. In fact I considered myself to be too thin on occasion so this problem does not stem from self image issues or whatever that would be considered. :roll:
Also I know this behavior is not healthy and I have tried to work my way out through logic based on that knowledge, but at this point the more effort I put into eating and trying to be healthy again, the more sick I feel either after or (more often) before I eat. Through long discussions with my fiance I've managed to realize that it is because of many stressful factors going on right now but it has been concluded that the primary issue behind this is the fact that as a kid my eating habits always got me into major trouble to the point of getting yelled at during most meals for being picky or a spoiled brat or whatever (simply put though, I seem to have huge sensory issues, especially with food, and my parents are barely starting to understand this now... :x ). I managed to discuss this problem with my parents and they are finally considering giving up on trying to make me seem “normal” and getting me diagnosed with Aspergers.
Either way at this point I haven't been able to eat a full meal in weeks because when I consider eating I get overwhelmed with anxiety and can occasionally have a panic attack (along with feeling ill of course). My fiance thinks I should see a councilor at the very least, and he is worried sick, but my parents disagree and since my fiance is clear on the opposite side of the country at this point in time my parents still have the ultimate say in what I do/don't get to do. Also I am concerned about the long term effects this may have on me because I know for a fact that this is extremely unhealthy...
Though it may be unrelated I find I am also extremely depressed (Primarily because my fiance is so far away right now and can only help so much though I understand he is doing everything he can to help/come down here) and I keep getting frequent panic attacks to the point where I was awake all night once and simply didn't even have the energy to get out of bed to do something to calm myself down. Nevermind the frequent emotional breakdowns.
Overall I know this is a ridiculous problem because I know that there is nothing seriously wrong with my life right now. I have everything I need, get to have my first summer break in 2 years, am engaged, and so far I am managing to get through school without any assistance. I don't really understand why I am suddenly getting this eating disorder/anxiety problems/depression other than maybe my fiance being so far away may have been the straw that broke the camels back or whatever that saying was. Maybe I'm just being dense and there is an obvious issue here but I don't know what it is or how to address it.
Recently I have only managed to slow the weight loss by making myself eat regardless of the anxiety and sick feeling but this is by no means an easy task nor is it pleasant and it definitely is not a permanent solution.
Advice would be extremely appreciated as I am running out of possible solutions and have no idea what to do at this point.



LostAlien
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01 Jun 2010, 2:11 pm

What foods do you have sensory issues with? and what foods do you have lesser/no issues with?
If you can make a list of the foods that you have sensory issues with and the why of those issues, it may help you a bit. A nutritionist might be a help too (with the list). Although, I agree with your fiance about counselling being a very good thing for you to do.

Perhaps a course of multi-vitamins would help, along with food that is high in fat (so you don't need to eat much of it)?

If you can post the list of foods that you have less/no sensory issues with, I might be able to come up with recipe or two. I'm fairly good at making recipe's. Also with the list, I'll need to know the issue (if any) connected with the foods. (If it would help.)



SolarShadow
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01 Jun 2010, 3:09 pm

Well it seems like I have the biggest problem with soft/gooey foods like mashed potatoes, melted cheese and cooked vegetables like in stews and such... and soggy bread/cereal but I've been told most people don't like soggy bread anyways so maybe that at least is normal. The stupid thing is I usually like the taste of these foods that but the texture just kills me. So the things I like best are usually crispy like salad/potato chips and stuff like that though there are things in-between that I can deal with or enjoy like pizza and such.
Honestly I hadn't considered seeing a nutritionist though it sounds like quite a good idea :) but as far as seeing a councilor I would probably only be able to in a few months since my school offers it for free but only while taking classes. I don't think I would be able to convince my parents to let me see one any time soon because they don't think it does any good and its all just stuff they (the councilors/psychologists) made up to make more money. :roll:
Unfortunately it would probably take a long time to put together a list and I doubt it would be terribly impressive but then there is also the problem of my mother not wanting the kitchen messed up for “special” dinners. Also unfortunate is the fact that after all these years my mother assumes I just hate her cooking and has apparently taken it personally, hence she often returns the favor and complains that my cooking is always too dry/overcooked whatever which compared to hers I suppose it would be since all she ever really makes is food that is so gooey I just cant deal with it... but think im just ranting now :?
Anyways I plan on trying to get more agreeable foods available to me in the house since my parents are starting to be a little more sympathetic but I am guessing it will still be a long process...



Zsazsa
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01 Jun 2010, 3:34 pm

You definitely need to find a therapist that can help you with your anxiety and depression issues...prehaps, you need medication to keep these emotions under control. Also, in locating this therapist, choose one who also, deals with eating disorders (there are many)...as being underweight and "losing weight" can cause severe physical health problems, even death.

As a individual well trained in vitamins, skip the multi vitamins...what little "nutients" you get from a muti vitamin, you pee out of your body...such multi vitamins are a waste of money. Instead, you need a good Vitamin B Complex...which is true for most people these days who eat little meat and protein. You probably also, need iron which many young females your age need. Your local pharmacist can advise you are excellent choices for a Vitamin B Complex, iron and any other vitamins you need. These vitamin supplements are "healthier" than the "tiny" amounts in those bottles of "Multi vitamins."

Best of luck to you!



LostAlien
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01 Jun 2010, 3:54 pm

What about par-boiling veg or eating raw veg? Broccoli needs only a little time in hot water for example and you could take out your portion and let the rest cook for longer. Carrots can be eaten raw, also baby spinach and celery (in my view these taste good). Salads are good, ice-berg lettuce is quite good in terms of vitamins and with salads people can put as much dressing or as little as they like.

Do you eat meat? if you do you could set aside your meat and put everyone elses meat in a marinade. I'm a vegetarian but I used to eat meat, so I have some marinade recipe's that I know work.

About your Mum, perhaps she has a sensory thing about food being dry?



SuperTrouper
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01 Jun 2010, 11:29 pm

Can you drink some sort of a supplement to get nutrition and calories? Something like Boost or Ensure? That's what I do when I can't eat, because I have a very similar problem to yours.