DD15 suddenly no appetite

Samcj02 · 2023-12-03T18:12:58+00:00

My daughter is 15, has always been slim, plays lots of sports and has always had a very healthy relationship with food. However the past two-three weeks she’s hardly eating staying she doesn’t feel hungry. Even turning down pudding today after Hardly touching her Sunday lunch. She finds the academic side of school very difficult, she has a time out card and they think she may have adhd, thought the behaviour she displays at school I do not see at home. ive found out she recently had a boyfriend but doesn’t anymore so wandering if this is a genuine lack of appetite due to breaking up with boyfriend or if she’s just saying she’s not hungry to his an EA. i am contacting the school today as it’s became very obvious especially over this weekend how little she’s actually eating. Any advice or any particular warning signs I should be looking out for greatly appreciated thank you

DustyLee123 · 03/12/2023 18:17

My DD has lost a lot of weight, and picks at food, due to recent anxiety.

Original poster

Samcj02 · 03/12/2023 18:20

Thank you! Could definitely may well be anxiety! Do you get any support for DD

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7catsisnotenough · 03/12/2023 19:04

Having had an ED (not saying your daughter does) I'd go with offering small amounts of food - maybe hummus and veggies - or other things she likes? Perhaps some "leftover" pizza from your own meal...
Try very hard not to make it a big deal, it's highly likely she knows she's not eating properly and she needs some support to get back on track.
Little things that she likes, "leftover" bits of other foods in the fridge.
Be gentle with her 💐

Original poster

Samcj02 · 03/12/2023 19:07

7catsisnotenough · 03/12/2023 19:04

Having had an ED (not saying your daughter does) I'd go with offering small amounts of food - maybe hummus and veggies - or other things she likes? Perhaps some "leftover" pizza from your own meal...
Try very hard not to make it a big deal, it's highly likely she knows she's not eating properly and she needs some support to get back on track.
Little things that she likes, "leftover" bits of other foods in the fridge.
Be gentle with her 💐

Thank you for the advice! It’s very much appreciated! Xx

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PTSDBarbiegirl · 03/12/2023 19:12

Could it help to buy small snack type things in and leave in fridge cuboard etc. Just maybe say nothing about it, don't ask questions. Can you go somewhere with her, I used to find getting my dd to come somewhere in the car, to 'help' me a good way of her opening up. Ask her to make you a playlist of stuff she likes so you can go a drive to a Christmas shop, woodland walk, shopping etc. She may open up. I found starting with things like, 'it's so good to get out, do you ever just get fed up.. I know I do'.I

bzarda · 03/12/2023 19:21

I didn't eat properly for weeks after my first break up at 17, I would have a banana a day sometimes and that was it. Thankfully it didn't turn into an eating disorder.

My mum didn't make it a big deal or force me to eat big meals, she made me lots of 'picky' snacks and a good mix of healthy/non healthy options like grapes and chocolate for example. I am glad she didn't ring the school in my case as that would have embarrassed me, but if you feel this would help her/she has a good form tutor to look out for her then do it.

Hope your daughter is OK and is eating again/feeling better soon.

Newuser75 · 03/12/2023 19:28

Could you mention the idea of visiting the gp, if she isn't feeling hungry then maybe there is something physical going on?

Either way I would recommend at least speaking to a doctor.

Definitely don't make a big deal of it to her, don't be tempted to try and get her to eat, or indeed comment much on what she is eating. Just try to keep dialogue open with her about how she is feeling.

Original poster

Samcj02 · 03/12/2023 19:29

PTSDBarbiegirl · 03/12/2023 19:12

Could it help to buy small snack type things in and leave in fridge cuboard etc. Just maybe say nothing about it, don't ask questions. Can you go somewhere with her, I used to find getting my dd to come somewhere in the car, to 'help' me a good way of her opening up. Ask her to make you a playlist of stuff she likes so you can go a drive to a Christmas shop, woodland walk, shopping etc. She may open up. I found starting with things like, 'it's so good to get out, do you ever just get fed up.. I know I do'.I

Edited

Hi;

thank you!! I’ll definitely get some snacks in I know she likes!

and thanks for the tips, she doesn’t open up much so I’ll try this x

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thirdistheonewiththehairychest · 03/12/2023 19:30

I remember being like this age 15 when I first discovered 'true lurve'. Completely normal relationship with food otherwise, but the sudden emotional turmoil of relationships used to send my tummy into absolute protest.

I'm pleased that my parents never made a big fuss about it as I eventually learnt to deal with it and started eating normally again quite quickly.

Original poster

Samcj02 · 03/12/2023 19:31

Hi, yes I took remember the heartbreak of breaking up with my first boyfriend I too lost my appetite.

i am actually considering not calling the school as I don’t want to make a huge deal
out of it and potentially make it worse x

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Original poster

Samcj02 · 03/12/2023 19:33

Hi, yes a visit to the GP is definitely happening. I’ve not made a huge deal out of her not eating as I know it’ll make her worse.

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Original poster

Samcj02 · 03/12/2023 19:35

thirdistheonewiththehairychest · 03/12/2023 19:30

I remember being like this age 15 when I first discovered 'true lurve'. Completely normal relationship with food otherwise, but the sudden emotional turmoil of relationships used to send my tummy into absolute protest.

I'm pleased that my parents never made a big fuss about it as I eventually learnt to deal with it and started eating normally again quite quickly.

I too remember that feeling all too well! 🙃We’ve not been making a bid deal out of it just letting her eat as and when she likes, we went out for a meal today to celebrate a family birthday and a few relatives had asked her why she’s not eating 🤦‍♀️

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MaloneMeadow · 03/12/2023 21:12

If you’re really concerned about it then take her to the GP. It’s not really the school’s issue and at 15 my daughter would have been mortified if I spoke to them about such a sensitive topic out of the blue.

My best guess is that it’s anxiety. It doesn’t really seem like an ED to me and I think it’s important not to jump to conclusions. DD’s appetite almost completely disappears when she’s going through stressful exam periods or is having friendship issues. Have you actually spoken to her about it?

Original poster

Samcj02 · 04/12/2023 08:52

Hi,

yes I’ve tried talking to her but she won’t say and I would just like to ask the school to monitor her mood as they are always in contact with me regarding her mood as she is under the umbrella pathway.

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