Should I ask my GP for help with disordered eating?

[DebatingoffKent]

Looking for some input from others who understand this world, as to whether i should be looking for help or support to get out of this rut that i'm stuck in. i have really lost perspective, i'm happy to admit that, and i just have no sense as to whether this is a non-issue and a GP is going to laugh me out of their office, or if if does require some support.

so, background:
diagnosed with bulimia at 17; no treatment offered beyond a CBT session then i told them i was cured so that was the end of it. binged / purged regularly from 17-20 but always maintained a normal weight and outwardly healthy diet (ie binges/purges were always outside of meal times in secret etc)
20-40 largely binge-free, distracted by life, family, work
40+ - stressful time at work and started to binge/purge, again outwardly appearing normal and eating normally outside these episodes

but now (mid 40s) - things have spiralled quite quickly. have dropped 19kg in the past 12 months - now 48 kg (171 cm) and started much more restricted eating in January. if i eat to digest, i can only really manage 3-4 ryvita thins with low fat philly. any more and it risks turning into a binge/purge. so if i'm home with the family, this is all i can eat at breakfast / lunch and i usually skip dinner. if i'm on my own and have opportunity, i will still binge/purge. i am very obsessed by weight/my body - think about it all the time, wake up in the night to check my hip bones are still there etc. family are noticing my weird habits and weight loss.

so if this is way too much detail, but i don't really know what this has become. i do know that i absolutely do not want to do anything to put on weight. but i am aware i cannot really lose any more.

You need to see your GP. It sounds as if your long-standing bulimia nervosa is still present, but that you've now also strayed into the territory of anorexia nervosa or possibly atypical anorexia nervosa.
Wishing you all the best. Eating disorders are a living hell as I know from my own experience

Definitely speak to your GP. It’s the right thing to do, OP, and it’s brave of you to want to reach out. I know how hard it is, I’ve been both anorexic and bulimic at points in my past. Good luck!

If you can, speak to the GP do.
Solidarity coming your way though, it's not easy and don't be hard on yourself if it feels overwhelming. I'm "in it" for the last 30 years.

It's not for everyone, but would you give OA a chance, if you haven't already?
www.oagb.org.uk/find-a-meeting/

From what OP has said, I hardly think suggesting she contact Overeaters Anonymous is sensible!

Besides, overeating, or even binge eating, is not the same as bulimia nervosa.

OP, if you have to wait for a GP appointment, in the meantime check out the resources offered by Beat, the UK eating disorders charity. That said, do not use them as a substitute for seeing your GP.

Thanks for your comments, but I would not have offered my thoughts if I had not been through a very similar situation of OP. On what grounds is my suggestion unsensible?

I was diagnosed with Bulimia nervosa, Anorexia nervosa and as I mentioned have 30 years experience of navigating an unhealthy relationship with food and my body.

In the beginning, OA gave me a safe, unpressured, non judgemental space to hear that I was not alone and therefore gave me the courage to ask for professional medical help.

It's understandable to not know what something is, but why bother dismissing my advice lol? OP doesn't have to take it.

This is a public forum where someone who is clearly struggling had enough courage to reach out. If we don't share our own experience, what's the point?

You suggested a service aimed at "overeaters" to someone who's experienced recent extreme weight loss and is also exhibiting other anorexic behaviours. That's why it's not sensible.
As for using "lol" in relation to such a serious subject...really??

It would entirely reasonable to see your GP. Please don’t think twice about booking an appointment.

Yes, definitely speak to your GP.

Ok, clearly there is a lack of awareness... Overeaters anonymous is a 12 step group for anyone who is suffering from a food disorder. This includes anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, starving...

The fact that someone had jumped straight in an disregarded a respectful suggestion, despite my leading with "it's not for everyone" was quite shocking.

The whole point of this thread is derailed if the people are happy to comment on a suggestion but not offer support to the person who is in need.

OP, you have my support. I know how terrifying and lonely it can be. You are not alone, sending you my very best wishes but I'm out of this now as I have shared an extremely painful, lived experience and it's being picked at by people who probably mean well but have no idea how much it took to share.

Peace.

Of course binge-eating is not the same as bulimia but it is still a serious eating disorder and shouldn’t be downplayed or dismissed.

Your GP is a good starting place, they should signpost/refer to a more appropriate service for support.

Recognising that your eating is disordered and asking for help is a big step so well done to you.