Alex's Answer

Hello and welcome to Ask Alex,

 

What you have described about your relationship with food is very serious. it is important that if you’re worried about your relationship with food, you talk to a trusted adult. Oftentimes, the people close to us like our parents, grandparents, siblings, or friends may be unaware of the impact of their own behavior and words. Once they become aware of how we are feeling or what we are struggling with, this will allow them to better support us.

 

Firstly, we would be concerned for you and the relationship you have with food. You have taken a very brave first step in reaching out by sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. We are glad that you have gotten in touch. You have the right to get help and support.

 

We need food both for our physical and mental well-being. You cannot run a car without fuel in the same way our bodies cannot run without food. In saying that, our relationship with food and any difficulties that we may be experiencing relating to it is very complex. It is possible that you may need the support of a professional like a doctor or a counsellor.

 

There are websites of organizations which can offer help and support to you that you can have a look at. Here are some you might find helpful: www.bodywhys.ie/; www.yourmentalhealth.ie; www.spunout.ie. You might also like to read some articles on the Childline website: www.childline.ie/what-is-anorexia-nervosa/.

 

Secondly, we are sorry to hear you are finding it hard to make friends; that must feel very lonely sometimes. Making friends can be hard, and it is something many young people and adults can find difficult sometimes.

 

Have you talked about not having friends with a trusted adult in your life? Perhaps a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or an adult you feel comfortable talking to. Talking about things always helps, and they might be able to suggest some ways that could help you. Making friends can take time, and sometimes we must put ourselves in new surroundings to meet new people.

 

Friendships can be hugely important in people’s lives and can often be made by having things in common, such as where you live, go to school, or shared hobbies and interests. Perhaps you could try starting conversations with others by asking them what they enjoy doing in their spare time or about their favourite class. Would you consider joining clubs or sports teams? That may be a good first step towards forming new friendships at your school.

 

There are some articles on the Childline website that you might like to read about making friends: www.childline.ie/making-friends   www.childline.ie/what-to-do-if-you-are-lonely-or-feel-like-you-have-no-friends/ ; www.childline.ie/do-you-struggle-to-make-friends-here-are-a-few-things-that-might-help/

 

If you feel that you cannot talk to anyone in your life just yet, the Childline Team is waiting for you to get in touch. You do not have to go through this alone. How would you feel about calling us at Childline for a chat? We really would love to listen to you. You can phone us on 1800 66 66 66,  or use our Live Chat on www.childline.ie. Childline is here for you anytime – we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The services are free and confidential. We are non-judgmental, and we will not tell you what to do. We can help you explore what options may be available to you.

 

Thank you for reaching out to us. We are here to listen, and we are here for you whenever you would like to chat. Please get in touch with us soon.

 

Take care of yourself,

Alex