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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Early signs of anorexia...?

105 replies

TabbyTigger · 22/11/2017 13:47

I don’t know if there’s a more specific area to post this (I couldn’t find one?). I think this is going to be long so please stick with me, I just want to give the full picture and not drip feed Smile

I’m concerned DD might be showing early signs of anorexia. She’s 12 and in year 8. Her dad recently re-married and moved in with his wife and her daughter, who is DD’s age. They’ve never got along - they’re in the same year at school. This girl sends DD all sorts of mean messages when she’s hear but speaks in a babyish voice and is sweet to her face (although can break out into screaming/kicking, even at nearly 13). DD as a result has become increasingly reluctant to go to her dad’s - fairly sure she was faking having a migraine last weekend to avoid it, and has decided to stopp going midweek because she says it disrupts her routine. I accepted this at face value until she started confiding more about not getting on with ex-H’s DSD. I’m also pregnant (due in Feb) and DS moved out in September (to study, not because of anything dramatic), so it’s been a relatively big year for her.

She’s always been relatively slim and very sporty - trampolining and dance both in and out of school, a martial art out of school and part of the school netball team. This year she’s suddenly taken on much more dance after getting into a few companies, and has also started going to boxing twice a week before school, and going to badminton and volleyball at lunch. She has packed lunches and her lunchbox always comes back completely empty which it never used to. She’d often leave orange peel/wrappers/tinfoil/clingfilm in there. On weekends she doesn’t eat lunch - she has breakfast (sometimes as small as an orange, the past week I’ve convinced her to eat a (plain) croissant on most) but very rarely will eat her lunch. She used to always just eat what I made for younger DC and we’d sit around the table and eat it together. Over half term she asked to make her own, but I would repeatedly call her and remind her of lunch and she’d keep saying she wasn’t hungry and would wait for tea, or would get some crackers and take them up to her room. I found about 10-12 crackers in various places her room this morning, not even hidden. The only days when she ate a proper lunch were those when her friends were round and I made them the same as the whole family. She has packed lunches on weekends because she is at dance rehearsals all day, which if I’d known she was going to take up so much during the week I absolutely would not have allowed. (I let her do it on the basis that she quit her out of school trampolining and did just one session of her martial art a week). And again, the lunch box comes home totally empty - like the contents has just been disposed of.

Now onto tea: she does eat tea, but never all of it. She used to eat all her tea and have pudding. Now she often rejects pudding and just eats sort of half. For example, last night (after a day in which she’d done boxing and trampolining at school and had a dance class later in the evening) we had nachos with tomato sauce/lots of cheese, peas, and garlic bread. She ate all of the peas, I think two pieces of garlic bread (I didn’t manage to count but it was no more than two), and very much picked at her nachos - probably ate about half. When she got back from dance I offered her soup as a sort of supper (because she’d not eaten a lot of tea) and she said no. She also used to always have a snack first thing when she got home - not any more.

So. Am I being paranoid and overreacting? And if I’m not, what do I do? Who do I speak to? How do I manage it better? I’ve told her she has to quit 3 activities after Christmas (she said she had to do the whole term because she’d signed up - I’m skeptical so might ask the school), but she definitely does love dancing so much so I’m reluctant to make her cut down on that.

Sorry that this is so long, and please be gentle. This is really new and scary territory.

OP posts:
JaneEyre70 · 22/11/2017 16:51

In fairness, I think it's something a lot of young girls seem to go through. You've done really well to pick up on it, and 1st step would be a gentle chat to say you've noticed, are worried and want to help. She probably won't open up straight away, but I'd also book a GPs appointment to record her weight/height and say what they suggest. CAMHS is a good starting place to get referred.

Our DD went through this around 8/9, and it is still there now on occasion (she's 19) if she's stressed or worried.
I found have lots of smoothies/protein shakes helped if DD refused to eat; I used to blend fruit with full fat greek yogurt or ice cream to keep the calorie content up. We also made sure she ate her evening meal with us so I knew she'd had one good meal a day. Again, she'd eat a small portion so I made sure it was a high calorie one.
It's truly awful to go through, but dealing with it head on worked for us Flowers. I'd seriously consider keeping her away from the step sister if she's having this much effect on her too.

VelvetKK · 22/11/2017 17:25

Try and look out to see if it's a constant pattern or whether it could be a stress response to triggering events like a bad day at school, the build up to going to dads or once home.

She sounds like such a sweetheart 😣

thornyhousewife · 22/11/2017 17:30

I would be worried too in your position. Hopefully it's just a phase but worst case scenario is it's the beginning of an eating disorder.

I don't know what the right thing to do is but my gut instinct would be to lose my shit and come down like a tonne of bricks. If anorexia takes hold it will be a living nightmare, I would do all I could to scare her about the consequences now.

If it does take hold you won't be able to reach her, she will be beyond reason so take the opportunity now to tell her everything you know about anorexia.

Can you ask her to share her social media accounts with you, specifically can you ask to see who she's following and what images she's searched for on Instagram?

Yes talk to your GP.

TabbyTigger · 22/11/2017 20:02

She nibbled at her snack (probably ate about half of it but by eating half of each half, so it seemed like more) and are about half her tea again. Don’t think she chucked it up though which is good.

I’ll definitely talk to her about not going to her dad’s - she’s definitely been avoiding it recently (faking illness/ asking to stop going mid week). Right now she only goes every other weekend, and is meant to be going not this coming weekend but next weekend.

Instagram is the only social media she has, and I think I have the password. Don’t remember it but I think it’s written in my diary so I might see if I can check tonight. Her phone plugs in overnight downstairs and I have my print in her phone so that’ll work anyway. Feels a bit sneaky though Sad I’d be reluctant to come on too heavy now in case it has an adverse reaction.

I’ll be contacting charities over the weekend when I have more than 10 minutes spare and to myself and will try and arrange a chat with the GP and maybe one with school, and maybe chat to some of her friends. Although as I’ve said, her mood hasn’t changed - she’s just as bubbly and chatty as she’s ever been. Still bounces down the stairs every 10 minutes to tell me something I did not care about (don’t worry I feign interest).

OP posts:
MatildaTheCat · 22/11/2017 20:50

Have you seen her undressed recently? It’s very easy to conceal weight loss with baggy clothing. And has she started her periods? If they stop that’s a worrying sign.

Definitely speak to your GP. You can also self refer to eating disorder services. If you consider she is at risk you should certainly be speaking to her school and her sports coaches so they can monitor her. Be aware that if you force her to eat more she may start exercising secretly and getting more savvy about restricting her calories.

YANBU about your concern.

TabbyTigger · 22/11/2017 22:36

Matilda well she wears leotards to dance quite a lot, although mostly she’ll have a hoodie/trackies before ana after so I don’t really see her in them much. I could ask one of her friends from ballet or contemporary actually.

She hasn’t started her period no - she’s always been petite in every way (even when she ate plenty) so I imagine she’ll be a very late starter.

That’s what I feared - I’m currently trying to give foods high in nutritional value and make her portions discreetly bigger so that even if she only eats half then that half is bigger. (So she has to eat more to leave the same amount). I’m not a great cook though, DH is much better but only has time on weekends and Friday. (Whereas I work mostly from home so can easily do Monday-Thursday).

OP posts:
GoingMoreThanABitMad · 22/11/2017 22:42

I spent years in hospital as a teenager because of anorexia. I think you're very wise to be concerned. I also think in some ways she - as I was - wants you to notice this and it is in its own strange way a cry for help. The very difficult balance to now strike is how to reach out to that call without sending the message that it's a failsafe way to obtain the love and concern you want.

Ps - I do not mean to imply in any way that you're not already providing all the love and care she could need. Anorexia and eating disorders in general are funny beasts.. I had exceptionally loving and supportive parents but was, looking back, so dependent on that extra cushion being 'sick' gave me.

Can only speak from my experience but you sound like a wonderful, caring mum. Sending you all the best, look after yourself too - it can be so hard when you're so worried!

TabbyTigger · 22/11/2017 22:53

Thank you Going. I’m so worried she will begin to depend on the illness aspect if I do come on too strongly. We know of two girls who this has almost certainly happened to (one is anorexic and 18, one just seems to have all sorts of self harm issues and is 15), so I’m fearful of that. The 15 year old we know in particular has begun to thrive off the identity - she doesn’t know how to be if she isn’t ill.

I’ve just had a look at her phone - nothing untoward. Her most recent Instagram searches are a mix of people she knows, a few actors/dancers, and some theatres and dance companies. Read a few horrible messages from her step sister though - including one today - “why you laughing at us in the hall today we saw you?” Followed, when DD protests she was just smiling at her because she knows her, by “your such a fucking bitch you think your so great but your not” and more messages along this line harassing DD when she ignored them. We’d also blocked the girl’s other 2(? Maybe more) accounts so this is obviously from a new one Sad so fed up

OP posts:
kateclarke · 22/11/2017 22:54

I too would stop her going to her dad for the moment.

I had similar issues with my dd. One thing that helped a little was putting a selection of her favourite foods out on the worktop where she was tempted. I never commented on what was eaten, just topped up what was needed. However, we live alone so I could see what she was eating.
Good luck.

UmmKultum · 22/11/2017 23:05

Anorexia is a biological brain disease. It's serious and I would take it seriously because if she is becoming anorexic the quicker you act the better as it is a self reinforcing illness.
First thing you need to weigh her and take her height. You need a baseline. Then see if she is losing weight. If she is, you need to act as no adolescent should be losing weight unless medically supervised.
You need to go to gp and insist on referral for eating disorder asap. You are likely to have to wait so in the meantime you insist your daughter eats. No choice, no leaving half her tea, no not having pudding. Your daughter's reaction will give you some clue as to whether she is anorexic.
Look up the maudsley family based treatment which is the treatment method with the highest success rate.
Also to to FEAST which is an excellent resource.
Eva Musby's website also has many resources too

VelvetKK · 22/11/2017 23:30

This situation with the step sister is outrageous! If it wasn't for your DDs reaction, I would be all for reporting her for bullying as if it was a stranger and it wasn't her SS, people wouldn't think twice! What an absolute horror of a girl.

It would probably only end up creating more anxiety for her though.

Maybe suggest taking a couple weeks off going to her dads and see if the eating improves?

samebasicsize · 22/11/2017 23:32

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LegallyBrunet · 22/11/2017 23:40

I had anorexia two years ago and with me it was a control thing; I'd had to leave my uni course because of a long term health condition, I was struggling to find another job, I was suffering from depression and a family member I'm really close to had just been diagnosed with a life threatening illness and controlling what I ate (or didn't eat) was the only way I felt like I could get any sort of control back over my life because everything else was spiralling out of control. It sounds like it could be what's happening with your daughter if she's had a lot of changes recently

TabbyTigger · 22/11/2017 23:51

samebasic excuse me? My DH and I were TTC from February of last year, and as the baby is due at the beginning of next February must have been conceived around May. Ex-H’s step family moved in in April, and until about July I thought it was just teething problems - what only child is going to be delighted at the introduction of two new step siblings and a step dad at the already complicated enough age of 12? I assumed this would all blow over after a few months and a bit of parental intervention, and the girls would make up - particularly as my DD isn’t confrontational. Maybe I was naïve, but I thought it was just a bumpy transition. Obviously it’s developed into more than that. DS didn’t move out until September and is only the other side of London so very contactable, and we see —too much— plenty of him. I’ve already got two children with DH (who are 5 and nearly 2) and she adores them and was nothing short of delighted when they were born, and seems equally excited about this baby. I don’t think the assumption you’ve made there was fair, and the way you’ve worded it is quite frankly disgusting. Maybe I’ve not been a perfect parent but I’ve done my best and if this does develop into something more sinister I will certainly not be the only one to blame.

OP posts:
elephantoverthehill · 22/11/2017 23:51

samebasicsize I think that was a bit harsh!
OP I was coming on to say that the school may be able to give you support. We have had HP coming into school to monitor students or referrals and back up from the school. Explore the avenues.

OldWitch00 · 22/11/2017 23:59

OP it's a good thing you've picked up on this. as others have linked there is some professional resources available to you.
does your health service offer nutritional counselling? a young person this active in sports needs some sound professional advice.

TabbyTigger · 23/11/2017 00:01

Thank you to the other posters for the more reasoned responses.

Kate I’ve been trying to get in more and more of her favourites lately so I’ll definitely continue. And I am trying not to make a big deal out of the eating - I always offer lots more food and I mostly ask if she’s sure she’s done/ that’s all she wants, but make sure to do the same for other DDs if they don’t eat everything so she knows I’m not singling her out.

Velvet it absolutely is outrageous. On numerous occasions I’ve lost it and said I’m going to tell school/ actually go with her to her dad’s and have a word with the family, but DD always starts crying hysterically and tells me it’ll just make things worse. She gets into such a state over it - the girl pushed DD once in a fit of rage (she’s quite a bit bigger than DD, and an October birthday to DD’s August) and I think that’s shaken DD and made her totally scared Sad it’s a tough one because I don’t want to drive a wedge between her and her dad (I didn’t have a dad growing up and always felt jealous of friends who did) but also I hate sending her there and I don’t think she likes it there. Maybe I could arrange for her not to go but meet up with her dad alone for tea once or a few times a week. It’s just difficult because the girl is also at DD’s school so the tormenting is so hard to escape, even if we cut it from the home. It’s a huge school and I’ve no idea how they deal with bullying - but the step daughter is a bit of a model student and very good at lying/manipulating which isn’t a good start, and DD not very committed to reporting so I think she’d underplay it and back down no matter how hard I pushed.

Thank you for the resources UmmKultum.

LegallyBrunet it definitely feels like a control thing. Although the fact that she does so much dance and sport makes me wonder if there might be a bit of body image in there too. I don’t know. Hopefully an expert can give more insight Sad

OP posts:
TabbyTigger · 23/11/2017 00:06

Elephant I think I’m going to try and arrange a meeting with DD’s form tutor to discuss both the issue with the step sister and the eating concerns, and then hopefully she can advise about the next steps within school.

OldWitch thank you. I’ll have to look into nutritional counselling - but I have a friend actually who does something in nutrition and her son is good friends with DD (and her daughter friends with DS). Might try and arrange for them to come around and just suggest she chat to DD.

OP posts:
VelvetKK · 23/11/2017 00:09

I can definitely see where your DDs worries would come from at school and I think given the situation, her trust in you is paramount just now. I think you might need to have a frank conversation with her dad as to the reasons why you may have to adjust contact for a period of time, in order to monitor how she gets on. Her dad taking her out for dinner alone, or the cinema with snacks may help shed more light on her eating behaviours and whether it's anxiety related.

I think an extra hug for your daughter from all of MN may be needed as well for all you're both dealing with Thanks

NerdyBird · 23/11/2017 00:19

Slightly separate point but did you get a photo of the message you saw on your daughter's phone? Might be useful as evidence. Stepsister sounds awful.

ActualMermaid · 23/11/2017 00:29

My sister has battled anorexia for 3.5 years now (though we’ve only been aware for 2.5) and this post raises all sorts of red flags for me. Granted, my DS is 21 but there are definitely some similarities.

The key to stopping this in its tracks before it spirals out of control how quickly you are able to get help in tackling the problems.

Anorexia almost never starts out as something as simple as just losing weight - you will almost certainly find some problems regarding control or anxiety as the underlying issue which can come from changes in her lifestyle or your DD putting too much pressure on herself for example, and so controlling food and exercise is a coping mechanism.

Your poor DD probably won’t be aware yet of what’s even going on and probably in denial that there is any real issue. You need to have plenty of open conversations, discuss your concerns, be honest but kind, and show her endless amounts of love and support. Encourage her to open up as much as you can, but be aware that people suffering from EDs can be overly sensitive and defensive, so be very patient. Do lots of research for BEAT and other eating disorder charities and definitely get in contact with a GP. Encourage her to keep a food diary, and enforce to her that she deserves to eat yummy, delicious food. Remind her that food is good for her and her brain chemistry, and she needs nutrients to be healthy, as well as having lovely shiny hair and clear skin and warmth etc etc, especially because she is so active.

Sending you both lots of positive thoughts and support. It’s a truly horrible illness and affects the whole family. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I hope that you can catch in time and get the help you need quickly.

I’m not an expert by any means, but it is a subject that is really close to my heart. If you need to talk any time, feel free to send me a pm. FlowersFlowersFlowers

CrypticClues · 23/11/2017 01:27

Poor thing... it sounds like she's having a shit time at the hands of the step sister. I would be trying to deal with that as a bullying issue – you have proof! Screen shot the messages and keep them in case you need to speak to your ex about it.

Meet with the form tutor, definitely...

ImperfectPirouette · 23/11/2017 01:40

PPs have given you lots of good advice OP, and you sound like a very good mother - also, if it's any help, one who's noticed an eating disorder as it's starting to kick in.

Do you know any of your DD's dance teachers well enough to talk to them about what's going on? I'm thinking particularly of her ballet teacher, really, as sadly you can guarantee they'll have seen this before.

At her age more serious/committed dancers tend to become very VERY aware of whether or not they conform to the ballet aesthetic: small head, long neck, short torso, long limbs, high arch & instep, & a slight degree of hypermobility (enough to look nice, not enough to be problematic) - and slender, very slender. If your DD is naturally small & slim of build she may, on seeing her peers hit puberty & begin to change shape (as it were) be trying to keep her current figure by controlling her food intake. There's not really anything you can do to make your body closer to the balletic ideal (well these days I could try those instep-enhancer things, like chicken-fillets for your feet - I still couldn't make my neck swan-like though...) other than try to keep yourself thin. And that can be an incredibly dangerous game.

I'm so sorry your DD is having such a rough time atm. Definitely approach the school to explain the situation, including your DD's reluctance to address it - they'll have experienced that before.

Good luck Flowers

user1472377586 · 23/11/2017 02:03

I'd just like to add to all the good advice above, this thread struck a chord with me. I went through similar to your between 12-14/15.

If I were you, I'd pull dd out of all dance. Immediately. Tell her it is not suitable for her at the moment.

And also she should not do any sport that:
(1) requires her to wear tightly fitted clothes that encourage her to focus on what shape / size she is / whether she is too thin/ too fat etc - Swimming / dance / gymnastics etc are all 'wrong' for her mental health.

(2) requires her to go to more than 1 (or maybe 2) training sessions a week.

If your dd is anything like me at that age, she will crave control in her life - the discipline of dance, and the discipline of not eating become a way of life.

I got rid of my issue by stopping the excessive exercise. I substituted homework and pets. Changed my life. Healthy eating followed on from removal of the exercise.

I am still somewhat obsessive, but have channeled it into knitting. Is harmless!

Secondly if this were my daughter, I would look for something positive for a hobby - art? sewing? something creative.

Want2bSupermum · 23/11/2017 03:37

I'd definitely be speaking to school regarding the bullying. Take copies of any messages as evidence. She should also not be forced to visit her father. Can her father come to you so visitation still happens?

Good luck.