TDS Eating Disorders Megathread

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I'm sorry you're going through this. Eating disorders are definitely real and they are serious, just understand that it doesn't make you weak or a baby.

Struggling with something like that is a lot of back and forth. Two steps forward, one step back. It's not going to be easy. I hope you get some relief from the suicidal thoughts, just don't forget about the people who care about you. Hold onto them tight. It sucks treatment didn't work, but have you tried other methods of treatment or other doctors?

The progress you've made is valuable, and if you work for it, trust, one day things will get better.

Thanks, man. Much appreciated.

More like one step forward, two steps back, it seems. I've tried everything short of ECT/TCM and psilocybin-assisted therapy: inpatient, residential, outpatient, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, SSRIs, homeopathy, acupuncture, CBT, DBT, vitamin and herbal supplements, read enough self help books to fill a library...you name it. I've had plenty of neutral and negative experiences with all of the above, but I am especially hateful toward psych meds. Sertraline (Zoloft) made me dissociate and not in a fun recreational way; my condition had never been worse. Family history of bad reactions. Some are dealing with permanent thyroid and kidney damage as a result of their prescribed, safe, effective psych med. One doctor wanted to put me on lithium. I said hell nope and got the fuck out of there.

I got so desperate that a few months back I actually attended an online OA meeting or two. Found out the Steps and I still disagree. Oh well, worth a try. All the food addiction specialists I've come across tend to take the 12 Step route. And general eating disorder specialists tend to be completely clueless with anything that isn't anorexia. With anorexia they're only marginally less clueless. The state of 'treatment' is ridiculous. At this point it's just 'funnel as many people through the system as possible while maximizing the amount their insurance will pay'.

At least with self medication I am the arbiter of the prescription. Anything to get a sense of control amidst the chaos.