Eating disorders at an older age, how and where to get help?

[MybosswasMrMcGee]

I've struggled with some kind of eating disorder since childhood but I have never really had any help for it.

Due to decades anxiety, depression, years of digestive and gynae issues it's worse than it has ever been. I genuinely don't enjoy food or eating at all and would happily never eat again if I could. I really only eat to survive and am very picky about foods.

I have spoken to a dietitian in the past and he thought it could be ARFID or severe disordered eating. I was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD last year and he said it is probably connected to this but I don't know where to go for help. I don't think I'd ever be taken seriously because, although slim I am of a normal BMI (20) so it's always seen as 'healthy' and the fact that I have gotten to 53 without seeking help (although it's not been an easy journey at all).

It's really having a huge impact on my life, not to mention the possibility of nutritional deficiencies but I just don't think there is anywhere within the NHS who can help me and I have zero funds for private help.

Does anyone have any experience of eating disorders at an older age and how do you manage it?

You've had lots of helpful advice on your previous threads – was any of that useful in practice?

If you're concerned about nutrition you can get a blood test and see what you're deficient in. Then the GP should prescribe the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Would you accept supplement if they were prescribed? If you aren't getting enough calories. Things like Ensure.

Do you have anyone in your life who you trust they could help you branch out and try new foods? You don't have to like them but trying them with an open mind, you might find some new things you like?

You can speak to charities like Beat or Mind?

I think if you’re a healthy weight you’re unlikely to qualify for help from the eating disorder units that exist - they are very underfunded/short of places as it is.

Maybe speak to the GP, explain your very limited diet and ask for blood tests to check your vitamins? If you’re deficient in anything then they can prescribe supplements. They may be able to prescribe meal replacement shakes (like fortisip etc) if you think you would be able to tolerate those.

Orherwise are you in any support groups for the adhd? ARFID is a common issue (maybe more so in autism), if you look on Facebook or online you may find support groups or advice

I have tried BEAT but didn’t get too far with them. I had some counselling via my local MIND last year but I’m still struggling. The counsellor there even admitted my issues were a little beyond what she could offer.

I have had full bloods taken, my b12 was low and I’m having injections but still feel very tired.

I react badly to dairy so can’t have anything like ensure. I do have Huel dairy free but it upsets my IBS. My DH does help as much as he can but I genuinely dislike food and would rather not eat at all. I know that sounds ridiculous, even as I type it seems extraordinary for a woman in her 50’s to feel this way but I have never enjoyed eating.

I am on most ARFID and ND Facebook and Reddit groups. ARFID does seem to be something mainly affecting children with ND, I have yet to find many adults with it.

Thank you. It's not ridiculous. Plenty of people do have life long eating issues. Even in recovery things like anorexia are always there lingering in the back of your mind, waiting to pounce.

I'm really sorry though and hope you can find a way to get enough nutrition. I'm glad your DH is supportive. X

“I have had full bloods taken, my b12 was low and I’m having injections but still feel very tired.”

I recommend joining the B12 groups as well - I have pernicious anaemia and sadly B12 injections by themselves don’t really fix the problem, you need to look carefully at what cofactors and vitamins are needed to enable your body to absorb the B12 or you will remain very tired! I’m in the “Vitamin B12 wake up” group and find their advice guides really helpful.

B12 deficiency is very common in neurodivergent people btw, nobody really knows what the link is. There’s some speculation about gene differences affecting B12 absorption and also brain development.

I didn’t know there was a possible link. Thanks, I’ll go on the groups and have a look.