TeenHealthFX - Answers - I Think I Might Be Anorexic

Eating Disorders / Question
Published: May 4, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I think I might be anorexic..... I limit my food intake daily to at the most 700 calories. I am miserable after I eat a "normal" meal. I think I am fat when everyone including friends and family say I am skinny. By the way I am a 17 years old, my height is 5'0", and I am currently 118. I am starting to withdraw myself from friends. I refuse to eat after 5:00 pm. I always offer to cook for my family but I never eat with them. My periods have stopped. I have crazy mood swings. And i get quite lightheaded when I stand up and I have blacked out a few times. Help me please.....

Signed: I Think I Might Be Anorexic

Dear I Think I Might Be Anorexic,

TeenHealthFX is concerned that your eating patterns are becoming more and more rigid and extreme since you are currently restricting your daily caloric intake to 700, refusing to eat after 5pm, and not eating with your family. FX is also worried about your emotional well-being since you said that you feel miserable when you eat and see yourself as fat. Finally, we are concerned about your physical health since you are dealing with the medical consequences of not having enough food/nutrients in your body such as no longer menstruating and feeling lightheaded frequently, even blacking out at times.

FX thinks that it is very important for you to meet with a mental health professional trained in working with people with eating disorders. Please talk to your parents about this issue as soon as possible so they can arrange treatment for you before this problem gets even worse and your mental and physical well-being become even more compromised than they already are.

If you live in northern New Jersey you can contact the Eating Disorders Program at Atlantic Health at 908-522-5757 for more information and to set up an evaluation.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

You can also contact the National Eating Disorders Association at 1-800-931-2237 for more information and referral services.

Signed: TeenHealthFX