Having trouble, what to do?

I am new here. I struggle with anorexia b/p type. I am having a lot of trouble trying to get better. I need some help on what to do. I have so many responsibilities in my life right now between work, school (college for masters), and financial responsibilities. I am in therapy. My weight is unhealthy, too unhealthy apparently to do therapy outpatient if I do not put on xx pounds per week. I am suppose to start eating more to put on weight yet I am having incredible difficulty doing this. I have actually lost x pounds instead of putting on and while the eating disorder is happy about this, I am scared. If I do not put on weight, I cannot do therapy, and will need to start looking for higher level of care.

can someone give me some suggestions, I am struggling with doing this on my own. While the prospect of higher level of care seems welcoming because I am struggling so much, it's not an option for me right now, but I am not succeeding with the weight gain.

Hi Sunny, for me concentrating too much on numbers by constantly tracking them was a part of my illness that made things worse. Even though I was trying to make the scale go up my anorexia secretly did not want to. Instead, I found it helpful to work on my eating patterns and judge my health by how I felt about myself. Although, sometimes we can't do it alone and being too underweight can require hospitalization and more intensive treatment. Do whatever you need to do to get better.........D.

So sorry to hear that you are in a bad place today. I feel for you and understand that lonely place.

DePressMe made a great point when she said that trying too much to gain xx number of pounds might make it worse. Since there is the aspect of "control" in eating disorders, when others come in and attempt to control our behavior, it tends to make us want to grip tighter to controlling our weight. I believe that may be why you are losing weight rather than gaining it. You are grasping tighter to the control aspect of this awful disease.

Like DePressMe suggested, rather than focusing on gaining pounds, maybe you can shift your focus to feeling better. What can you eat that will make you physically feel better?

All of the things you mention are legitimate concerns for not wanting to have to resort to a higher level of care. But you do sound open to a higher level of care if it becomes necessary which is definitely a positive thing. Personally, I am struggling just to get everything out in therapy and dealing with the fear of being diagnosed with an ED, which is probably inevitable. I am finding that trying to overcome this on my own is not working. I have consulted a few times with people at NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) and one of the things they always say is you do not have to go through this on your own. If you need a higher level of care, you may find that the worries you have about work, school, and finances smooth themselves out in the process.

I am in a similar situation and am struggling on what to do. I think you should discusss with your therapist your concerns and struggles and come up with a solution together. Maybe you and your therapist could meet half way.

If I were you I would try-Some meditation to ease your stress, I know when I get too Stressed now I go back into either old habits or I over eat until I am sick Stress can make You lose weight too so try to focus on things You find relaxing. I play piano now to help

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