Alex's Answer

I feel I have an eating disorder

Your Question

Hi. I feel like I have an eating disorder. I also self-harm and think I have BDD. What do you recommend I do? 

Answer

HI there and welcome to Ask Alex, thanks for reaching out with your question. 

You are saying you feel that you have an eating disorder, you self-harm and that you have BDD. 

It sounds like you are going through a lot at the moment, and you are entitled to get the right support to help you through this difficult time.  Have you been able to speak to anyone about how you are feeling?  It is important that you speak to an adult you trust, who can support you to get the correct help.   

if you feel this would be too hard, you could try practicing what you want to say, writing a letter or having a friend there to support you. You could also go to your GP, who will help you get any medical care you may need.   

There are some organisations, such as Bodywhys (www.bodywhys.ie/) and SpunOut (spunout.ie/category/mental-health) where you can find more information and supports around body image and other mental health conditions.  These articles on the Childline website www.childline.ie/thinking-about-self-harming/ and www.childline.ie/self-harm/ will also give some more information and ways of getting support. 

If you would like to chat through any of this, you can contact us here at Childline on 1800 66 66 66 or through our webchat service at www.childline.ie.  We offer a free, confidential and non-judgemental listening service 24/7, and would love to chat to you some more about this. 

Take care of yourself, we hope to hear from you soon. 

Alex. 

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