Trying to figure this all out..

SarCoh
SarCoh Posts: 3
in Introduce Yourself
I have always been in really good shape not particularly skinny but not not skinny, and I was always really physically active, hiking, running, swimming. Then I felt into a for lack of better word slum, I injured myself and stopped exercising a few months, I also was facing anxiety and related comfort eating. I gained a considerable amount of weight. Now a year and half later I really want to get back in shape, also I want not go back to looking in the mirror and feeling ok abut how I look, cot to mention my really strong family history of diabetes....The issue with all this is that as a teen my mother was anorexic, and I have an anxiety issue, which is already related, I am afraid that although now I am an unhealthy weigh, and I don't think my mom even hit 100 lbs when she was pregnant..I am afraid if I start dieting I can fall into the same problems she had.I don't know what i am looking for in this post, but I know I have to find the balance between losing the weight I need to lose to stay healthy and not getting sucked in past that.
Sorry for my rant...

Replies

  • tehzephyrsong
    tehzephyrsong Posts: 435 Member
    The fears you have are totally justified. You do have basically all of the conditions for developing an eating disorder. I suggest you find a licensed mental health counselor, perhaps one that specializes in eating disorders and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy, and start seeing this person regularly as you work to lose the weight. Counseling will help you identify and stop problem behaviors before they become huge problems. Surround yourself with supportive friends that won't encourage problem behaviors - like people on here, for instance.
  • chapplish
    chapplish Posts: 5
    Having these fears are a big part of avoiding the problem. You acknowledge your situation and that gives you the ability to deal with it before it becomes a reality. Not losing this weight because your afraid can lead to all sorts of medical conditions such as the diabetes you mentioned in your family. Just make sure that you work on the prevention. Start talking to people now. Make sure not to go back under the calories you are recommended to eat, and eat back your exercise calories. Good luck!
  • SarCoh
    SarCoh Posts: 3
    Thank you for the advice. I hope I have the strength to get back in shape and stay healthy, mentally and physically.
  • SarCoh
    SarCoh Posts: 3
    How do I find the right type of counselor to work this out with?
  • tehzephyrsong
    tehzephyrsong Posts: 435 Member
    Try Googling around. "LMHC eating disorder [your town]" may yield some results. LMHC stands for licensed mental health counselor. The only caveat I have is that seeing a licensed professional may cost you, though I can't really quote you a price. You're not sick enough to be diagnosed with anything as you are presently, and the healthcare system is still pretty much broken as far as mental health is concerned, so your insurance isn't likely to cover much "preventive care" counseling. Counseling is cheaper than seeing a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, though, so there is that.

    If you can't find an affordable counseling service, there are some lower-cost options, although they also carry some risks. If you're a religious type, you might find it helpful to confide in someone from your church and draw your strength from that community. There may also be a support group near you; Google "eating disorder support group" or "weight loss support group." Be careful there; you might stumble upon some kind of pro-ana cult. Just try to keep your wits about you and be aware of when it is time to leave, if you find a group like that.

    Basically, just don't go it alone. Find someone you can confide in who will support you in a positive, healthy way, whether in real life or online.

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