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Daughter (13) with possible ED - advice needed

3 replies

mj182 · 17/12/2024 14:02

My daughter (13) confided in me last week that she has been getting overwhelmed by anxiety at times and has been making herself sick after her evening meal. I feel awful as I'd not picked up on this at all. She is naturally anxious, a worrier and an overthinker at times and she's had help at school for this at different points. She couldn't really pinpoint what was making her worry this much but did mention worrying about doing well at school, being worried about the way she looks. She said she's been making herself sick after her evening meal for a couple of months. She said it wasn't after other meals, just then and not all the time. She doesn't binge or over-eat (or not that I know of).
I contacted her Student Support Officer at school who met with her to discuss it and gave her some immediate things to help with the anxiety including an emotion diary. I've also booked her a GP appointment but the first one I could get was very early Jan.
I'm just not sure what to do now? She has said that she won't do it again and will engage with the support that we can get for her but should I be asking her about it regularly? Her dad is constantly trying to see if she's still doing it but I don't really want to be questioning her after the time as this just seems to make her anxious. I just feel really out of my depth and don't want to make the situation worse?
Any advice is really, really appreciated. x

OP posts:
Mrsttcno1 · 17/12/2024 14:16

Oh I’m sorry OP I can imagine how worried you must be. I also did this at a similar age and my mum really helped me through it and I couldn’t be more grateful to her. I wouldn’t ask about it about it directly but keep communication open, I also struggled mainly after evening meal and my mum started going for a walk with me on an evening, I always found it easier to talk openly when walking together (much easier than sitting face to face) and the little bit of fresh air and exercise also made me feel better in general. It was a new routine which helped chase away that anxiety as well as giving us a chance to chat about anything and everything.

There is lots of information which can help with your understanding of it on Beat Eating Disorders website and Shout have a 24/7 text number for advice & help which may be useful.

BulldogMumma · 17/12/2024 14:25

I've been through this with my DD.
When she was 14 she told me she'd been making herself sick after meals. I booked her into the GP and she was referred to CAMHS ED team, it's not a long wait for CAMHS to see them.
She's 17 now and I won't lie it's been the hardest time I've had as a parent. DD was diagnosed with anorexia and it took hold really quickly.
Try and keep an eye on what she's eating without making her feel she's been constantly watched. In our case I used to sit outside the bathroom listening to see if she was making herself sick.
If she's eating less than 1000 calories a day I think it is then take her to a&e and get her checked out, also give BEAT a call they were so lovely when I called them.
If your dd has an ED then be aware it will make her lie and be sneaky but that's the ED taking over her brain so don't automatically believe her if she's telling you she's not doing it anymore.

Mummyoflittledragon · 18/12/2024 03:15

I wouldn’t be waiting until January to see the GP. Does the surgery do book on the day? With my GP surgery you have to be on the ball at 8am ringing on the dot to get an appointment that day.

As for what you can do now, employ distraction techniques so playing games, going for a walk, watching tv together to stop her from going and vomiting. I would stop her from going to the loo directly after eating.

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