I Think My Daughter Suffers from Eating Disorder/depression

From someone formerly with an eating disorder, she sounds to have the signs of issues that need to be discussed with a doctor. If you let them go, it will only get worse and possibly spiral out of control. The issues regarding my eating disorder started for me when I was about her age and 15 years later, I am now just getting them under control. Don't let them go. I would have given anything if someone had stepped in on my behalf when I was younger.

Seek Help right away. She might suffer from an eating disorder that is related to depression...from the things you describe it is in away that just talking to her might not stop. My youngest brother was a "cutter" thats a crude term but he would feel bad ( it was in his teens) and cut his fore arms. He explained to me ( much later he is in his 20s now) that he did it for the control. He went to a new school after my moms devorce and did ot fit in with the kids there. He started cutting for the sense of control. This also might cross refrance the eating or lack there of....Has something happened at school? does she feel presured to lose wieght because of peers? these all things to talk about even if it means getting a 3rd party involved ( my brother went to theropy every week for a long time and still keeps a journal. Journals often are away to vent, an outlet to get something of your chest in a constructive way. I hope things get better soon and maybe this was of some help.

You should get her to a doctor ASAP. If I were you, I would try to keep her in my sight at all times until this is resolved. Poor girl, and poor mama!

I think it is great you have picked up on all these symptoms of depression and eating disorders. So often even the greatest involved parents miss the warning signs. Now you must act on it before it gets any worse. It make take a whole lot on you and your family's part to help her but remember one critical thing: what she has is a LIFE-THREATENING disease and requires professional help and lots of support. Fortunately, I have not had an eaing disorder myself, but my mother did and close friends of mine suffered from them as well. If your not sure where to start, contact the resources provided in the previous posts and or talk to your pediatrician and make sure they take you seriously. Also, let your daughter know how much you care and how you will do whatever it takes to help her through this. Good Luck and stay strong!!

I wholeheartedly agree with the previous posts...

Hang in there - I, too, have a 14 yr old that has been going through some depression/anxiety issues. Get her to counciling ASAP. Most insurances cover it, especially if referred by a general practitioner. Don't wait on this issue! My daughter fought us tooth and nail about going to the doctor and then going to the therapist, but it's been worth it. Her grades are back on track, she takes a mild medication and is back to eating and sleeping regularly. Not all days are great, but we're on the upside now. Whatever she's dealing with, you can't let her push you out... fight and fight hard!

Your daughter needs help immediately. I have worked with teens in the mental health field for about five years. Your daughter’s behaviors are a good indication that she needs at least a professional evaluation. Cutting is a very dangerous behavior that requires professional treatment.

Some resouces for you:

1. If you have health insurance, these sites can help you locate a therapist that takes your insurance and specializes in teens
http://cms.psychologytoday.com/rms/cities/austintherapist...
http://www.networktherapy.com
Also, call your insurance company to see if they can refer you to any specialist in their network.
2. If you need community resources or don’t have insurance try these places:
LifeWorks: www.lifeworksweb.org
Austin Child Guidance Center: http://www.austinchildguidance.org
Family Connections: http://www.familyconnectionsonline.org

I hope this helps. Good luck finding help for your daughter. She’s lucky to have such a concerned mother.

I am very sorry to hear that the both of you have to go through this, but what you need to do is seek medical attention fast. Maybe you can start off with her pediatrician and then they can refer you to a good counselor. Something is going on in her life is has a negative impact. You must seek medical attention, this is probably too much for you to deal with on your own. I wish the both of you the best.

Definately sounds like a psychiatric problem of somesort. She definately needs some counseling to get to the bottom of things. She sounds a bit depressed. Have you checked with her school and friends to find out a little more? Does she have a boyfriend? Could she be pregnant? I work in the health care field and all these things I ask about. If you have access to MHMR in your community-start there. A.

Hi T.,

When I was in college, I lost a lot of weight rapidly. I went from a size 16 to a size 4 in about 2 months. I had no energy, didn't want to eat and slept a lot. I didn't have depression or an eating disorder though...I promise! I was going to school full time, working full time and driving 3 hours a day to do it. My parents took me to every kind of doctor imaginable from an MD to swore I must be pregnant even though I was a virgin to an oncologist. My body was in such a downward spiral that it was frightening even to me. I finally went to see a friend's general practioner and it turned out I had mono. Just a simple bloodtest but no one thought to look for that first. During that time, I also had very irregular periods but later found out I have PCOS.

Get her the medical and emotional help she needs and love her through this.

Best wishes,
A.

Don't rule out medical issues, such as Diabetes. Rapid weight loss, lack of energy and sleeping alot are some common issues with diabetes. Also depression.
If your pediatrician doesn't order blood work ask him to do a complete lab work up of her blood. Cover all your bases.

I think you're pretty perceptive and correct. I would speak with her school counselor if you're still in session. If not give her pediatrician a call and see if she can recommend a counselor. Your daughter is at the age where a lot of things are happening at once. And she's trying to deal with changes as best she can. Whatever you do, DO NOT WAIT to see if she gets through the phase. Also, try not to put too much pressure on her yourself. She needs to have someone she can trust to talk to. If she's not willing to talk to you (even if she is, she still needs professional help), don't make her feel guilty for confiding in someone else. You don't want her to clam up even more. She needs to learn healthy habits and appropriate ways to deal with stress now. Her life is only going to get more complicated as she gets older (as you well know).

I would be very concerned. My niece, who is also 13, is going through this exact thing right now. My sister has tried everything, but she clams up and insists it's nothing. My sister is divorced and I personally think the issues weren't dealt with well. Now they are living with my sister's boyfriend so I'm sure there are many security issues, etc. My sister finally agreed with us that it is an issue and is taking my niece to see a counselor... they are hoping she'll open up to someone objective. I should say that my niece is a straight A, honor student who excels in many extra curricular activities as well. My sister recently found out she was sneaking on the internet (even though she has been told not to because of previous MySpace issues) and has created another MS page and is talking about all the boys she's kissed, etc. I personally remember exactly what it felt like to be 13. It was such a tough age and the pressures were coming from every direction... parents, school, boys, friends, environment. I had an eating disorder for most of my life and I think that stemmed from being the one thing in my life that I could control and no one else could be involved in what I did in my "private" time. I remember the feeling of seeming cleansed when I made myself throw up and knew I was "empty"... it's all very significant of the family issues they are dealing with and their environment as well. I would look at what is happening with school, friends. How is your relationship with your child, with their siblings, etc? If you have the ability financially to take her to a counselor, I definitely would. I'd go as a family and let her go individually as well. This is serious and don't let anyone wash over it and tell you it will pass. This is my personal opinion from my own experiences and the experiences my sister is having with my 13 year old niece. Good luck and many Blessings!!

Get her to your family doctor immediately. This is the first step of the process. I would get them to recommend a pediatric psychiatrist next. This person can do an evaluation for eating disorders amd depression. The cuttings on her arm are another issue they can address. I would suspect she would then be referred to individual and eventually family or group therapy. Don't sit around and wait on this one. Likley this has been going on quite awhile she just isn't able to hide it. She is going to deny there is a problem and not be very cooperative this is normal. What a blessing you caught this now. Go fight for your daughters life!
Good Luck!