Whatever your problem is, chances are I have dealt with it- either directly of indirectly- at some point in my life. I've worked as a Social Worker (with issues like mental illness, addiction, disabilities, eating disorders, etc.)
I've also taught school (to teens!)and have experience mentoring them.
In addition to that, I've lived in 4 different countries, many different cities, and worked jobs in all different fields from Software Sales to Fashion Designer.
This diverse life experience has given me knowledge on a wide variety of topics- which I hope I can put to good use here. :-)
So go ahead- ask away!
PS- I do not judge people or speak to them in a condescending way. However, I will be honest and tell you what you NEED to hear, not what you WANT to hear.
Gender: Female
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Age: 34
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DangerNerd
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I'm in the process of overcoming . . . eating issues. I'm not to the point where I can call it an eating disorder, although chances are, it is. But that's not important.
I'm increasing my calories slowly, and the higher I go, the more difficult it is. I'm still at a number well under the recommended minimum intake, yet it seems obscenely high to me. I have motivation; I want to be healthy because I want to eventually work as a psychologist and help others be healthy. The problem is remembering that goal when it comes time to actually eat the extra foods. Before I eat them, I'm pretty good at convincing myself that it's okay, even necessary. But after I eat, it's an entirely different matter. All I can think about is how sick I feel and how (irrationally) I'm destroying everything I worked for. I feel like I've totally lost control and that I'm going to regain the 100+ pounds I managed to lose over the last year.
But I want this . . . sort of. Any suggestions for reminding myself that no, increasing calories will not lead to out of control binging (I have a history of that, as well) and that it's for the sake of my health? I'd rather not have something as obvious as notes hanging around because frankly, it's not something I want my family particularly involved in.
Apologies for the length; if you've read this far, I appreciate it.
I'm 20, female, if it matters. (link)
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First of all, good job so far on increasing your calorie intake. You are making progress, and the fact that you are even writing this question means that you do want to keep improving.
You said "I want this...sort of", I believe that you DO want it, but you're afraid that you will lose control. You mentioned that you lost over 100 lbs., is this part of what's holding you back now, that you're afraid you'll just put the weight back on if you eat a healthy diet?
Since you are interested in psychology and seem very well-informed I'm sure that you've probably heard that eating disorders are often more about control than they even are about the weight and the food. Of course, you don't want to be heavy and that's a part of it, but a big part is also feeling like you have control over something in your life. If you go back and re-read your question I think you may find it interesting to note that you actually use the word 'control' twice. So this seems to be an underlying issue.
There usually are underlying issues with things like this- which is why it helps to speak with a professional. They can help you uncover what the 'real problem' is that is preventing you from reaching your goal.
If you absolutely can not or will not see a counselor, try at least some kind of support group (online if you prefer) that can help you work through this. It's much easier when you have someone to talk to who 'gets it'.
Good luck, and keep up the good work.
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Rating: 5
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Thanks; I think you're right about the control part. I am seeing a psychologist, which helps, I was just hoping to get some more ideas online. :0)
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