Alex's Answer

Hi there, you are very welcome to Ask Alex.  

Thank you for contacting us. We understand that it’s not always easy to share our worries and concerns, but we also know how important it is to talk about how we are feeling. You have been very brave in reaching out, and you have the right to get help and support.  

You have said that you think you may be anorexic as you have been skipping meals and you think that you are too fat for food. Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that can be triggered by feelings about body image, like you have mentioned. We are very concerned to hear that you are addicted to skipping meals, because stopping yourself from eating is very dangerous and can seriously affect your physical and mental health. 

You mentioned that your parents shout at you because you’re not eating. This must be difficult for you. Have you thought about talking to them and sharing with them your reasons for not wanting to eat and why you have been skipping meals? We know it can be very difficult to share such personal things with others – especially our parents – but remember, you do not have to deal with this alone. There are people around you that would be happy to support you through this. If you feel like you cannot talk to your parents, you may find it helpful to talk to another trusted adult such as an aunt/uncle, cousin, friend, or youth worker.  

You also mentioned that you want to end your life soon. We are concerned to hear you are considering suicide. You have the right to be alive and you have the right to feel safe and happy. Again, it’s important to talk to others about these feelings. You have the right to seek help and support about how you are feeling and the thoughts you are experiencing. You also have a right to professional help, like talking to your doctor or to a counsellor, to share your feelings and thoughts about suicide. You have the right to be listened to and to be heard. It is important for your own mental wellbeing that you get this help and support. 

If you are finding it hard to talk to those in your life whom you are close to, you are very welcome to chat with the Childline Team through our web chat on www.childline.ie, by text on 50101 or by phone on 1800 66 66 66. Childline services are free and confidential, and are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.   

There are also some specific support services which you may find helpful: 

Bodywhys provides support and information for people affected by anorexia and other eating disorders. You can visit their website here: bodywhys.ie 

www.pieta.ie; www.jigsaw.ie; www.yourmentalhealth.ie are all organisations which support young people who are thinking about self-harm and suicide.  

Here are some articles that you may also find helpful: https://www.childline.ie/what-is-anorexia-nervosa/ and https://www.childline.ie/how-to-tell-someone-im-having-thoughts-of-suicide/ . 

Thank you for reaching out to us. 

Take care,  

Alex