Not sure where to go for help, worried about dd, possible eating disorder and self harm

[Itsaboatjack]

My dd1 is 9yrs old. She weaned really well but over time became a bit of a fussy eater, and then more and more so. Now I'm worried that it's getting to the point where I struggle to get her to eat more than a few mouthfuls. She easily eats less than 3 yr old dd2. I feel that pushing her to eat is not going to work as I don't want food to become a battle ground, but I don't know where to turn for advice on how to deal with it. Would I sound ridiculous if I went to the GP now?

Also on top of this she has also started biting herself on her arm. She has done it a few times now in about 6 months. I've asked her why she did it and she said she didn't know. I asked her straight if it was because she was frustrated by her feelings and didn't know how to express herself and she said yes. We talked a bit more about finding better ways to deal with her frustrations but I don't know where to go from here.

I would be very grateful for any advice anyone has.

[ImperialBlether]

I'm so sorry. My daughter was similar when she was that age and I felt she escaped a full blown eating disorder by a hair's breadth.

I would recommend you take her to a doctor. One thing that helped my daughter was seeing a nutritionist, too, who explained why all the different food types should be eaten. Obviously it was early enough days for her for that to help.

One thing my daughter (now in her 20s) has always done is to keep a diary. I think it's very cathartic to write everything down. Other than seeking medical advice, try to focus on things that make her happy - music, films, books, walks - which are positive and life enhancing.

Best wishes to all of you. It's not easy having children, is it?

[Itsaboatjack]

Thank you Imperial