I think I have EDNOS and would like to get help for it before it turns into Anorexia and I think it could be getting to that point. I don’t have insurance or much money to fund a therapist, nutritionist, and a doctor. I simply can’t afford it. I’ve tried to fix it myself by eating more but I get freaked when I gain a little that I just start restricting again! What can I do to get help without have insurance or a way to pay? I live in USA. Indiana to be exact. Thanks. – anonymous
Dear anonymous,
When seeking affordable counseling, the best place to start is your local County Mental Health Agency. They will most likely have referrals for therapists who see clients on a sliding scale, based on your income. Sometimes it takes a while to find someone, but don’t give up, they are out there, you just need to do some calling and ask questions.
Another thing I would suggest is that you find a therapist in your area who treats eating disorders, call them up and ask them if they would consider taking you on as a client at a discounted rate. Explain to them that you don’t have insurance, and cannot afford to pay full price. Even if they cannot see you, there’s a good chance they know of someone who may.
Please seek out a therapist now. You seem to be very insightful and therapy would really help you now, before it can get so bad that you will have to pay a lot more money, and spend a lot more time in recovery. You are doing a great thing… get in now while you are still aware of the problem, you are very healthy right now and you would really benefit from therapy.
Thank you,
Nicole Bourquin,M.S.
Dear anonymous,
At the risk of sounding self-promoting, might I suggest you buy or borrow a copy of my book, Life Inside the “Thin” Cage? It is written expressly for people in your situation, and can help walk you toward some practical “next steps” toward freedom. It’s a great tool to use in tandem with any counseling sessions you might plug into, and I think it would help you understand some of the “whys” behind your struggle. Disordered eating is such a slippery slope – sounds like you already recognize that.
Whatever you do, taking proactive steps before the problem gets worse is DEFINITELY worth the time, money and energy required. I encourage you to keep seeking out an objective voice (i.e. a counselor or therapist), keep asking questions, and keep moving forward. Your life is valuable – much too valuable to waste it on obsessions about food and weight. Find more. It’s out there.
Wishing you blessings on your journey,
Constance