Mental Health Issues. Need Help
Crystaleyed
Posts: 229 Member
Okay, where to begin.
I have had symptoms of binge eating disorder for as long as I can remember and in summer 2012 I went to get help from my GP. He never diagnosed me and simply gave me a number for a concilor and that was it. I obviously went to the concilor and I'm still with her now but she keeps talking about what needs to be done instead of helping me achieve it and since I have been with her I have noticed that things have got worse not better.
I have started moving from Binge Eating Disorder to Bulimia and I know that it's not a good thing but I don't see a way to stop it at all. I also have moments, on a semi regular basis where I have a lot of the symptoms of depression which means I loose a lot of days at school, fall behind and there is often a very real chance of falling behind at school and not getting the grades I need or deserve.
I have also, just recently started having panic attacks, I haven't had one for a week and so far they've been small enough that I can hide them from my classmates or anyone around me at the time, but I'm scared that if they come back I won't be able to control them and then I will be in trouble.
Since I haven't been diagnosed no one at school knows about all these problems which directly affect my school work and my ability to do things on time and function normally. I want to tell them but I am in as much doubt as they are and I feel as though until I get an official diagnosis I cannot do anything.
I want to go back to my GP but I have a feeling that, like all the other GP's in my area, if I mention depression he will just put a box full of anti depressants in my hand, rather than showing me all the options ... if that makes sense ?
Has anyone been diagnosed with an eating disorder?
If so how did you get your diagnosis and what was it like ?
How long did it take and did it involve taking time off work and school?
Anyone in the UK know where I can get some help, especially in the Yorkshire district ?
Thank you
I have had symptoms of binge eating disorder for as long as I can remember and in summer 2012 I went to get help from my GP. He never diagnosed me and simply gave me a number for a concilor and that was it. I obviously went to the concilor and I'm still with her now but she keeps talking about what needs to be done instead of helping me achieve it and since I have been with her I have noticed that things have got worse not better.
I have started moving from Binge Eating Disorder to Bulimia and I know that it's not a good thing but I don't see a way to stop it at all. I also have moments, on a semi regular basis where I have a lot of the symptoms of depression which means I loose a lot of days at school, fall behind and there is often a very real chance of falling behind at school and not getting the grades I need or deserve.
I have also, just recently started having panic attacks, I haven't had one for a week and so far they've been small enough that I can hide them from my classmates or anyone around me at the time, but I'm scared that if they come back I won't be able to control them and then I will be in trouble.
Since I haven't been diagnosed no one at school knows about all these problems which directly affect my school work and my ability to do things on time and function normally. I want to tell them but I am in as much doubt as they are and I feel as though until I get an official diagnosis I cannot do anything.
I want to go back to my GP but I have a feeling that, like all the other GP's in my area, if I mention depression he will just put a box full of anti depressants in my hand, rather than showing me all the options ... if that makes sense ?
Has anyone been diagnosed with an eating disorder?
If so how did you get your diagnosis and what was it like ?
How long did it take and did it involve taking time off work and school?
Anyone in the UK know where I can get some help, especially in the Yorkshire district ?
Thank you
0
Replies
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I'm not in the UK but can relate to some of what your going through and what work for me was to get the wright help such as therapy and a better doctor who doesn't think pills are the only answer. Try focusing on what keeps your mind off your problems and just remember it can get better and will get better with time. I still have my bad days but I always remind myself that I'm strong enough to get through this.0
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Is there a crisis clinic or a hotline you could call for referrals? Here in the USA, we have 911 for emergencies and various phone numbers for hotlines with people to talk to. I hope someone from the UK will be able to help you.
A lot of time, doctors are too quick to send you away with pills w/o really listening to you. We have that problem here, too. Finding a caring Dr. and/or Therapist is not easy especially if you are on insurance like medicaid (government state insurance for those who qualify). I feel tremendous compassion for you and your situation. I wish I could be of help to you.0 -
It sounds like you're kind of frustrated wth your current counselor. Find a new one - one who specializes in eating disorders. I'm not in the UK so that might be harder than it sounds.
Pills aren't always the only answer but they can help. But, GP's aren't always the most knowledgable about psych meds, especially if you need more than one med. You're so right - you DO deserve to feel better. And kudos to you for recognizing that you need help with this now, before it gets out of hand!0 -
I can relate. I have struggled with disordered eating for years. My doctor has known about it and tried to help me. I've even had lapband surgery (which has helped me lose some weight but it hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be).
At my last physical, my doctor and I talked quite a bit about my eating. I usually binge at night (always have; it's constantly a struggle). And when I say binge I mean BINGE (like a whole pizza at a time; not anymore with the band, but still more than I should be). So I've started taking Prozac, which helps with OCD/binging symptoms in the brain. It's been three months now (slowly building up to 20mg a day from 10mg a day which is pretty low)...I have noticed I have more control in the evenings over stuffing my face. So I'm hopeful this will be a tool to help me get over this and get to my goal weight finally.
What's wrong with trying a medication? It sounds like counseling isn't helping you too much right now (or you need a different counselor). There is nothing wrong with meds; often it's a chemistry thing in your brain.
I'm in Canada so I can't help with where to go....I know here waiting lists are long for counseling on eating disorders (my doc has recommended several places but they have really long waiting lists). But you should know you're not alone!
Couldn't your counselor write you some kind of note or something, for your teachers so at least they know that you're trying to deal with your problems but may need some extra help or time with projects/tests?
***please no bashing; I am trying to find what works for me. I see nothing wrong with medications to help if you need them. Thanks!0 -
Hi,
I've never had an eating disorder no, but I dd suffer from major depression when I was a teenager, and I know how tough it can be. The thing that got me through was an amazing therapist, and anti depressants.
To me it sounds like your current therapist isn't a good fit, and that's fine, sometimes these things just don't click. I strongly recommend finding a therapist that does 'fit', and this may involve just googling your options. Try the British Psychological Society (http://www.bps.org.uk/), or if you're more accepting of alternative therapies, try http://www.bacp.co.uk/ . Both of those have therapists in your location. About going to see your GP, I know how unhelpful they can be, and to be honest, it's because they're usually not trained in dealing with mental health issues. However, saying that, anti depressants can sometimes be useful, as the brain is actually physically affected by depression. I suggest that after finding a good therapist, that it's something you would discuss with them.
I really do urge you to find a good therapist, as these issues don't just go away, and usually involve a lot of hard work to get back on track. It's all about changing your way of thinking, which takes time and effort, but it can be done. Please do tell someone close to you, if you haven't already, as social support can make the world of difference.
I hope this was helpful! And best of luck, you're going to be fantastic! 0 -
Is there a crisis clinic or a hotline you could call for referrals? Here in the USA, we have 911 for emergencies and various phone numbers for hotlines with people to talk to. I hope someone from the UK will be able to help you.
A lot of time, doctors are too quick to send you away with pills w/o really listening to you. We have that problem here, too. Finding a caring Dr. and/or Therapist is not easy especially if you are on insurance like medicaid (government state insurance for those who qualify). I feel tremendous compassion for you and your situation. I wish I could be of help to you.
We have 999 here in the UK and there are a load of eating disorder hotlines but talking about it, face to face or at least where someone can hear your voice is still scary for me, online I can do it because you never see or hear me really, but when people can it's ... it's something I struggle with certainly.
999 tends to be if you've been shot or run over by a car and once I have heard someone rang when they were going to kill themselves but it tends to be that if your body is not in immediate physical danger then it's not considered an emergency. Thank you for replying tho' it's good to know that someone is out there who cares.0 -
I can relate. I have struggled with disordered eating for years. My doctor has known about it and tried to help me. I've even had lapband surgery (which has helped me lose some weight but it hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be).
At my last physical, my doctor and I talked quite a bit about my eating. I usually binge at night (always have; it's constantly a struggle). And when I say binge I mean BINGE (like a whole pizza at a time; not anymore with the band, but still more than I should be). So I've started taking Prozac, which helps with OCD/binging symptoms in the brain. It's been three months now (slowly building up to 20mg a day from 10mg a day which is pretty low)...I have noticed I have more control in the evenings over stuffing my face. So I'm hopeful this will be a tool to help me get over this and get to my goal weight finally.
What's wrong with trying a medication? It sounds like counseling isn't helping you too much right now (or you need a different counselor). There is nothing wrong with meds; often it's a chemistry thing in your brain.
I'm in Canada so I can't help with where to go....I know here waiting lists are long for counseling on eating disorders (my doc has recommended several places but they have really long waiting lists). But you should know you're not alone!
Couldn't your counselor write you some kind of note or something, for your teachers so at least they know that you're trying to deal with your problems but may need some extra help or time with projects/tests?
***please no bashing; I am trying to find what works for me. I see nothing wrong with medications to help if you need them. Thanks!
Don't worry I don't judge you for suggesting meds.
My grandad was addicted to pain killers, different drug I know, but since then I have always wanted to feel like I can do without medicine and I don't want to rely on things the way he used to and even if it's perfectly safe there's always a risk. I do really want to tell school about this problem but I feel because it's not diagnosed I can't really say because it's essentially my guess work and a number of self diagnosis quizzes online.
That and my mum and dad have said to me outright that they don't think I should be getting a diagnosis or help and that I should just pull myself together, which no matter how much I try affects me.0 -
Is there a crisis clinic or a hotline you could call for referrals? Here in the USA, we have 911 for emergencies and various phone numbers for hotlines with people to talk to. I hope someone from the UK will be able to help you.
A lot of time, doctors are too quick to send you away with pills w/o really listening to you. We have that problem here, too. Finding a caring Dr. and/or Therapist is not easy especially if you are on insurance like medicaid (government state insurance for those who qualify). I feel tremendous compassion for you and your situation. I wish I could be of help to you.
We have 999 here in the UK and there are a load of eating disorder hotlines but talking about it, face to face or at least where someone can hear your voice is still scary for me, online I can do it because you never see or hear me really, but when people can it's ... it's something I struggle with certainly.
999 tends to be if you've been shot or run over by a car and once I have heard someone rang when they were going to kill themselves but it tends to be that if your body is not in immediate physical danger then it's not considered an emergency. Thank you for replying tho' it's good to know that someone is out there who cares.
There's NHS direct for urgent but not emergency situations. They can refer you to mental health services. A lot of counsellors can do online or email counselling.0 -
talking about it IS scary - but my ED (admittedly mine is minor but still) is kept in much better check BECAUSE i talk about it. Because my friends know I have a history of self=-starvation, they know to mention it if they think i'm not eating enough. I found that counselling was amazing as a place to leave my issues and walk away from them. It also opens up discussion with others and you'd be amazed how many people have this as a dirty little secret but then once they start talking about it its so much easier to see your triggers and patterns, and stop hiding from it.
To me, it sounds like you need to uncover the underlying cause of your ED. Mine is a need for control - when my life goes out of control I control food obsessively.
As has been recommended you need a counsellor who specialises in ED behaviour and rehabilitating you. Perhaps try through your local hospital or community aid centre to see what they know?
The fact that you have admitted this to us - even if we are a bunch of randoms - is such a huge step forward. Well done you!0 -
This is never easy to talk about, so good on you for opening up.
Counsellors will use a certain method/theory - it sounds like yours is focussing on solutions rather than processes and cognitions. Have you discussed with them how you feel about the sessions? This is the absolute hardest thing to do with a health professional, but it seems you'll both benefit from returning to square 1 and trying a something different.
I'm in the UK too - is this a private thing or an NHS thing (IAPT, I suppose)? Either way, there may be another option for you.0 -
This is never easy to talk about, so good on you for opening up.
Counsellors will use a certain method/theory - it sounds like yours is focussing on solutions rather than processes and cognitions. Have you discussed with them how you feel about the sessions? This is the absolute hardest thing to do with a health professional, but it seems you'll both benefit from returning to square 1 and trying a something different.
I'm in the UK too - is this a private thing or an NHS thing (IAPT, I suppose)? Either way, there may be another option for you.
Hello.
I have thought about telling my counsellor about it but I just don't feel comfortable at all. There are times as well when she says things that trigger me and I want to tell her that it triggers me but I don't feel like I can. I think that the counselling place is private, not an NHS thing ... but I'm not sure. I hope that helps a little bit.0 -
[/quote]
Hello.
I have thought about telling my counsellor about it but I just don't feel comfortable at all. There are times as well when she says things that trigger me and I want to tell her that it triggers me but I don't feel like I can. I think that the counselling place is private, not an NHS thing ... but I'm not sure. I hope that helps a little bit.
[/quote]
Not to sound mean but how can your counselor help you when you don't tell them what is wrong? Trust me, you will not be blowing him or her away when you say what you are feeling and only when you tell her what is wrong, will she actually be able to help you more.0 -
This is never easy to talk about, so good on you for opening up.
Counsellors will use a certain method/theory - it sounds like yours is focussing on solutions rather than processes and cognitions. Have you discussed with them how you feel about the sessions? This is the absolute hardest thing to do with a health professional, but it seems you'll both benefit from returning to square 1 and trying a something different.
I'm in the UK too - is this a private thing or an NHS thing (IAPT, I suppose)? Either way, there may be another option for you.
Hello.
I have thought about telling my counsellor about it but I just don't feel comfortable at all. There are times as well when she says things that trigger me and I want to tell her that it triggers me but I don't feel like I can. I think that the counselling place is private, not an NHS thing ... but I'm not sure. I hope that helps a little bit.
If you're not comfortable talking to the cousellor about this then make an appointment with the GP who reffered you (assuming it's NHS) and discuss the issues with them.
I had a counsellor who was really anti medication and made it her mission to get me off them! I did and it set me back about six months. I went back to the GP (who was horrified of course) and he sent me fot CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and put me back on the medication.
I think CBT is a much more proactive approach which surely you need with something like an eating dissorder (for me it was anxiety/depression). Unfortunately waiting lists on the NHS are long...
I've finished with the CBT now and am no longer on medication. Just needed a different approach.
With regards to antidepressants etc my advice would be not to be too down on them. If your mental health is damaging your physical health they're worth thinking about. But make sure you're really ready before coming off them.
Take care x0 -
If you want to add me or private message feel free. I don't know much about eating dissorders but have dealt with a phobia (relating to food/health), anxiety and depression on and off since I was 11 and have waded my way through much of what the NHS had to offer!
There's light at the end of the tunnel.0 -
The panic attacks can be controlled by medications such as beta blockers ( i didnt find they helped me), my GP referred my to a clinical psychologist who took me through a CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy session) which taught me how to control them. I still get the odd one but can now sense when they are coming on and nip it in the bud. It sounds like you would benefit from that.
As for the eating disorder - never diagnosed with one but can be I can be a bit OCD/ competitive with myself about weight loss and have slight body dysmorphia which im constantly dealing with, again the CBT techniques helped. there are some good books out there with exercises to help deal with things. My underlying problem was self esteem and these helped with that, am a healthy weight, have sensible goals and am not too strict with myself but still a little competitive (but thats just my personality).
You will get through this and would suggest another chat with your GP, if that doesnt work go and see another GP and request psychology input.
Hope this helps
good luck!0 -
If you're in the UK, try this site http://www.b-eat.co.uk/, for people who suffer with eating disorders, I think there's live chat as well, so you don't have to talk face to face, you can just instant message. Also, if you don't feel personally comfortable talking to your counseller, ask your GP to refer to another one, if possible, it's important to find one that works for you, the first person isn't always the best and you won't get the best out of your therapy.
Also, could you ask your counsellor to talk to your parents about their attitudes to eating disorders? It sounds like they don't understand what's wrong and what kind of support you need from them (presumably this is because it's a mental health issue, or do they act the same when you have a physical illness like the flu?), and maybe hearing it from a professional would help.
Keep fighting though, things might be **** now but they will improve and you can get through this! You just need to find what works for you 0 -
If you're in the UK, try this site http://www.b-eat.co.uk/, for people who suffer with eating disorders, I think there's live chat as well, so you don't have to talk face to face, you can just instant message. Also, if you don't feel personally comfortable talking to your counseller, ask your GP to refer to another one, if possible, it's important to find one that works for you, the first person isn't always the best and you won't get the best out of your therapy.
Also, could you ask your counsellor to talk to your parents about their attitudes to eating disorders? It sounds like they don't understand what's wrong and what kind of support you need from them (presumably this is because it's a mental health issue, or do they act the same when you have a physical illness like the flu?), and maybe hearing it from a professional would help.
Keep fighting though, things might be **** now but they will improve and you can get through this! You just need to find what works for you
Hello.
I'm sorry for the not so speedy reply, with mock exams going on finding time to come on the boards is quite difficult.
I have not considered getting someone else to talk to my parents, but I don't think that the counselling place I'm at at the minute would do that, I guess because you pay your money's worth [I don't because I'm considered a student, but its meant to be £25 per hour] they don't really care what anyone who is not seeking their services thinks.
The good news is that I had a bit of a breakdown in school a few weeks ago and my friend took me to see a teacher, who in turn reffered me to the school nurse and I have a meeting with someone who's going to, hopefully refer me to a child and adolescent mental health service run by the NHS, so yeahh, I will ask them if having a word with my parents is a good idea as they will have more power to do that sort of thing.
Thanks
and btw, yeah it is because it's mental health, my mum thinks I wallow in self pity a bit when I'm physically ill, but don't we all ? 0
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