i've never once thought i was fat. in fact i think i'm disgustingly skinny. but sometimes when i get upset, i don't want to eat. and if i try to eat i gag. i know that it's like i'm trying to have control over something when i lose control over other things in my life, but is this anorexia? i've thought about going to support groups, but i feel like my case is a bit different than most.

shauna, I'll let the others answer your question because they know much more about it than I, but I wanted to welcome you. I don't know if it's anorexia - but it does sound like some type of eating disorder. Catgirl will probably be around soon and she's got lots of knowledge about it. Mel

Hi shauna! and welcome http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I also don't know if what I'll say has any backup information or references, seeing as it's mostly my opinion. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tongue.gif It's good to hear that you don't think your fat! That's positive! But thinking your disgustingly thin isn't so positive either. Self-image is a difficult and touchy subject for most people, especially people who have or are at risk for ED's. As for using food and not eating as a sense of control, you've pretty much hit the nail on the head, so to speak. In most ED situations food is used as a replacement "control" aspect when other ares of your life are "out of control." What we don't seem to understand is that our ED eventually becomes as out of control as the rest of our lives.

As for not knowing if you fit in here or in a support group, I can only say this...nobody with an ED is the exact same, there is no stereotype "ED checklist" to decide whether or not you have one or don't. They're very sticky...but I support you, and if you think you need help, then I say GO FOR IT! Don't let it get too out of control. The sooner you get help, the better off you'll be, trust me!!

Wishing you all the best, let us know how you're doing!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

NEVER GIVE UP
~sarah~

Thank you so much for your replies. I think that alot of what I deal with is mostly based on anxiety and stress rather than just not wanting to eat. I just get so worked up that I don't feel hungry, or if I do try to eat, I get sick. I actually used to take prilosec because I had bad acid problems and reflux from stress. But I think that every problem is coupled with one or more others. Like, I'm sure alot of alcoholics are also depressive.

Thanks Again!

GOING TO A SUPPORT GROUP WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHY YOU ARE DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND HOPEFULLY LEARN BETTER COPING STRATAGIES TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS AND EMOTIONS. IF YOU ARE STILL CONCERNED WITH YOUR BEHAVIOUR PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR WHO CAN REFER YOU TO A EATING DISORDER SPECIALIST. I KNOW YOU WANT TO GET WELL AND WE ARE ALL HERE SUPPORTING YOU. PLEASE TAKE CARE.