Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Eating disorders
Anyone else? Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
redskyattwilight · 27/12/2017 19:04
I hate sticking labels on people but does anyone else suffer from this?
For many years I have been trying to do everything I can to avoid being sick and as a result I have been at a very low weight for most of this time. Everything I eat / drink I see as a potential risk, so when there is the possibility of going without, I would tend to do that. It stops me from being able to socialise, has prevented me from moving on in life, and the way I look has stopped me getting jobs and the looks and people's judgments have robbed me of any hope for the future or any self worth and confidence. Also I spend so much time food shopping to convince myself I'm doing my best to avoid problems e.g. being around when refrigerated things come out as I regularly see cold stuff being left out for too long before it reached the shelves.
Just wondered if there is anyone else out there. It is so incredibly frustrating wanting to eat more to help me change the way I look, but not being able to for fear something will make me ill.
redskyattwilight · 29/12/2017 13:41
I would be grateful for any support or advice if anyone can provide any.
LemonysSnicket · 29/12/2017 14:01
Sorry, I don’t have this but it sounds awful. My DP is very restrictive with his food due to an as-yet undiagnosed medical condition which causes extreme stomach pain... so I can see how difficult it can be.
I hope someone comes along soon who can help 
redskyattwilight · 07/01/2018 16:17
Lemonys Thanks for your reply. What really gets me feeling like I should just give up trying in life is that however hard I try, things don't improve.
Also, does anyone have any advice on overcoming the rude comments, stares, judgement etc you get from people? I'm someone who can't bare attention and yet I feel like an exhibit in a freak show whenever I go anywhere. I can't just think "they're wrong" because they are right, I hate the way I look and my appearance has stopped me being given jobs, making friends ...
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