Do I have anorexia? Help?

[Anonymous]

Reasons why I think I might have it:
- I eat very little and I skip meals at least a few times a week
- I think about food a lot
- Not eating sometimes makes me feel good, like I've accomplished something
- I'm underweight
- I really like looking thin, it makes me feel pretty
- I like being the thinnest out of my friends (again, makes me feel pretty)
- Sometimes when I eat dinner or lunch with my parents, I try to hide how much I haven't eaten by quickly throwing it away and by covering up the food in the bin with some paper (I don't want them to nag at me for not eating more)

Reasons why I think I might not have it:
- I don't feel fat, so it doesn't really feel like I'm not eating because I want to be thinner (?)
- I don't exercise at all
- I don't diet or think about dieting, I just eat whatever I want (even candy and junk food), I just eat in very small portions
- I still like food, it's not like it makes me anxious, but for some reason I just don't want to eat

So... what do you think? :(

[Anonymous]

Anorexia isn't all extreme. It's like not everybody with depression cuts or attempts suicide.

I don't know if you do, but I certainly think you should speak to an adult in your life about this. If you find it hard to talk, just write a letter. Hiding the food worries me the most, and I think it's actually really good you know it isn't right.

[Asker]

Thank you, that's reassuring to hear. I'll try to muster up the courage to talk to someone, I guess...

[randomhobo]

No one here is qualified, or at least able, to give a diagnosis on this sort of thing over the internet. I recommend you see a doctor to get this checked because even if you say you aren't anorexic with some justifications- it's not uncommon for those with eating disorders to justify it to themselves as a form of denial.

[Asker]

I understand. I just thought that maybe someone that is or has been in a similar position could help, or give an insightful answer... I feel too scared going to a doctor though :(

[randomhobo]

Don't be scared, doctors are here to help you and make you as healthy as you should be. If need be then bring a friend with you to the appointment for support

[TheCheeseWizard]

Sounds like you just don't like eating. However, if you feel it is a problem, you should possibly consider going to a doctor if a problem occurs.

[Azara]

you'd probably in north america would be diagnosed with some type of ocd. you're not losing weight or trying to., so you can't really be classified as anorexia nervosa.

[bubble_tea]

If you don't have anorexia.. you certainly have EDNOS

[kittykatbrat]

Don't be me.

[Asker]

What do you mean?

[kittykatbrat]

I have had "issues with food" since age ten and nothing has changed at 25.

My world is constant paranoia + numbers + measurements + OVER exercise + mirrors + internal self hatred + huge anger issues that only find peace in additions and self injuring. The numbers keep dropping but I have never ever liked my body.

[Asker]

I'm very sorry to hear that... even though it has been such a long time, I hope you can find peace.

[kittykatbrat]

... ty, I haven't ever given up looking :)