QUESTION: I don't wish to be an over possessive mother, but my daughter's actions and condition make me very suspicious that she may be anorexic.
She is not at all her outgoing self, and we no longer can talk to one another. What can I do to help her? I need your help very much.
ANSWER: Thanks to a media that dwells on our nation's psyche, we've become somewhat of an educated people.
We are probably more alert to subtle character changes in the people that live and work around us and therefore can step forward to assist at a much earlier stage of a disease or condition than ever before.
This can be tremendously important in conditions such as the one you now face.
Challenged by the possibility of an eating disorder in one you love, suspicions may lead to more precise observations, which in turn can be the first necessary step towards decisive and appropriate actions.
Become an aware and concerned observer of your daughter's habits and seek the answers to these questions.
Are the amounts of food she eats much less than normal? Has she become suddenly secretive? Does she spend a great deal of time in the bathroom with the water running, possibly disguising the sounds of vomiting, common to the bulimic? The anorexic will starve away; the bulimic is a binge eater, who then purges herself of her food.
Both disorders are most common in female adolescents. If these signs are clear cut, gently but firmly confront your daughter with your suspicions.
Do not let your own anxiety affect your attitude, but be the warm, loving mother your letter shows you to be.
Convince your daughter that you only wish to help her, and stay away from any guilt producing comments.
Then get your doctor on board.
Though both disorders demand long psychological counseling, the primary consideration is the nutritional state of the patient, something which must be dealt with at once. So call your physician now for further guidance and assistance in following additional avenues of support for your daughter.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
