I have been struggling with eating and self image a lot the past year and a half. People say that I am skinny and everything, but I don’t see that myself. It used to be that I didn’t eat at all except maybe a sandwich or less a day. When I transferred schools though it was harder to skip meals and not have my friends asking why because none of them know about this. I usually go to most of the meals and eat a little bit, but not a whole lot. Would this considered EDNOS? – Jessica
Dear Jessica,
Without knowing more details about you, I can’t say for sure that you have EDNOS. But it definitely sounds like you’re approaching eating in a disordered way.
From the start of your question you note that you struggle with eating and have restricted severely the level of intake. You sound as if you really struggled with the school transfer and the inability to skip meals with ease and you want to be able to keep how you eat a secret from friends. Based on this little information, it is possible that you could be teetering on the line of developing severe restriction tendencies that could lead to anorexia or other eating disorders.
I do not know your level of education (junior high/high school/college), but I would strongly suggest you speak to a counselor, parent, or church youth pastor. Consider showing them your question to this panel and my answer. My hope is that they will point you in the direction of a good therapist and/or nutritionist (experienced with eating disorders) who will be able to show you how solving problems, handling feelings, or living through restrictive eating is unhealthy. There can be long lasting health implications for you if your eating patterns continue. The time to talk about it is now.
Good luck and please—get help. Do not back away afraid of what you have boldly shared with us! There is someone who wants to help you and walk with you until you feel secure enough to eat so that you can live!
Blessings,
Leanne Spencer, LPC, MAMFC