I was just wondering how long other people have been dealing with eating disorders. I became anorexic/bulimic when I was 15, and pretty much recovered at 21 (with a relapse here and there). I'm 23 now, but I still think those "unhealthy" thoughts now and then! I've managed to prevent myself from slipping back into it, but I have a girlfriend who hasn't gotten better since we were 15. What is everyone else's experience?

beginning of senior of high school (17) I'm 21 now. I guess that seems relatively short to me because I know many people who have had eds for 10+ years. It's sad...I feel like I've had it sooooooo much longer. Oh, and no, I havn't recovered. I still "need it" too much. It's my only coping mechanism I suppose.

I had had these problems for seven years when finally last March I decided to get help. I'm twenty now and steadily working my way through recovery. It is not easy and takes much longer than I would ever have dreamed it would. But I suppose unlearning 7 years of coping skills, and coming up with a new,healthy set does take awhile. I'm proud to say that I now rarely binge and/or purge, but the negative thoughts still haunt me (actually they torture me at times). All in all though I'm doing much better!

I too am curious how long others have suffered from an eating disorder, and also if some of you have recovered (even partially) how long did it take you?

Curious-
Praline

I also fought with the whole eating disorder thing; I just wanted to tell people that it doesn't matter how long you have had it for anyone can get over it and everyone's problems matter; somebody might have it for years and years and not be bad and easier to get over and someone with it only for a short time but really bad might have a harder time to gt over it; plus it depends on the person and the treatment and how the person reacts with that treatment. If any of you are intersted how I am getting through mine just give me an e-mail.

Interesting question. It really got me thinking. I developed anorexia at about 15 and am now 30. I have been "non-practicing" for the past 8 or 9 years but I don't think "it" will ever completely go away. I have a weight "comfort zone" which I can function normally in but if I get outside of it, I start to panic and exhibit some of the behaviors. Though it is not disabling, I honestly believe I'll be like this for the rest of my life.

I agree with Maci. I think I first started having eating disorders when I went away to college. That was sixteen years ago. In '97 I was hospitalized because of anorexia. I have also used laxatives off and on for at least four years. Sometimes it just starts happening again. I don't really know why. I am almost 37 and I keep thinking maybe someday I will outgrow it.

I haven't had an eating disorder for very long, but I am trying to get help early on so I am not like most of the people on the board and fight it for most of my life. It is so hard though. But I know that a lot of you understand and that is why I like these health boards...you guys help me out so much. Good luck everyone!