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When to seek medical advice
By Mayo Clinic staffBecause of its powerful pull, an eating disorder can be difficult to manage or overcome by yourself. Eating disorders can virtually take over your life. You may think about food all the time, spend hours agonizing over options in the grocery store, and exercise to exhaustion. You also may have a host of physical problems because of your eating disorder, such as irregular heartbeats, fatigue, bowel troubles and dizziness. You may feel ashamed, sad, hopeless, drained, irritable and anxious.
If you're experiencing any of these problems, or if you think you may have an eating disorder, you'd probably benefit from a medical evaluation. Remind yourself that you're not actually in control anymore — the eating disorder is. When everything revolves around what you eat and how you look, it's difficult to take part in normal activities and live life to its fullest. You may not even be able to enjoy a simple meal with family and friends.
Unfortunately, many people with eating disorders resist treatment. If you have a loved one you're worried about, urge him or her to talk to a doctor. But unless you have legal authority to do so, you can't force loved ones to get treatment. If you think your child may have an eating disorder, talk to him or her. Your child may not be ready to acknowledge having an issue about food, but you may be able to open the door by expressing concern and a desire to listen. You may also want to consider contacting your child's doctor about your concerns. You can get a referral to qualified mental health providers for treatment.
