This is probably going to be the most personal blog I will probably ever post and I’ve waited to Eating Disorders Week to share this, so this blog is going to be about my story.
Since I can remember, I’ve never eaten “normally”, people would tell my parents that I was just a fussy eater and I would just grow out of it, but that never happened. I am writing this now at the age of 27 and I still eat very few food items. As I got into my teenage years, I realised the impact it was having on me, it was and still is embarrassing not being able to go out for a meal with friends or go round my mates houses for food because I didn’t know how to explain to people what is wrong with me.
I went to the Doctors, they didn’t really know what it was and they advised me to do counselling as they thought it was a food phobia and that talking would help, at the time I must admit I was sceptical and I didn’t think it would, so I ignored and continued on how I was.
To put into perspective, for dinner I only eat bread & butter, with ketchup and then sometimes I will have chips. Whilst I will eat sausage rolls, and don’t have a problem with eating anything sweet, I find it absolutely hard to eat anything else, it literally makes me feel sick when trying to find anything new.
Last April I found out that I am a Type 2 Diabetic and thats where it gave me the kick up the ass to try and help myself, at the time I was already having counselling which I’ve covered before in my LinkedIn, I brought it up to my counsellor, but unforutntey they didn’t have the experience in eating disorders.
I went through so much research trying to find what my symptoms are and what condition it might be or what help there might be out there. I came across an article about a 6 year old having the same symptoms as me and he was a diganosed with ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).
My Diabetic nurse at my Doctors surgery came across a organisation called SWEDA (Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association), I reached out to them and I talked through my symptoms and the struggles I am going through and after years and years struggling to find what was wrong me, I was finally diagnosed with ARFID.
You can’t imagine how great it feels to finally get a diagnosis and being able to be research for support for this.
ARFID, which stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, gained official recognition in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) when it was published in 2013. However, it had already been significantly impacting lives for many years prior to that.
Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is characterized by several distinct features:
- Lack of Interest in Food and Eating: Individuals with ARFID exhibit a marked disinterest in food and eating.
- Sensory-Based Avoidance: They may avoid certain foods due to sensory sensitivities related to taste, texture, or appearance.
- Concern About Aversive Effects: ARFID sufferers may fear negative consequences associated with eating.
- Limited Safe Foods: Typically, they have fewer than 15 “safe foods” (individual items, not complete meals).
- Preference for “Beige” Foods: It’s common for ARFID individuals to stick to a narrow range of bland or neutral-colored foods.
- Avoidance of Entire Food Groups: Some may even avoid entire food groups altogether.
ARFID doesn’t correlate with body size or shape beliefs, weight loss goals, or behaviors like over-exercising seen in other restrictive eating disorders. It’s essential to recognize that ARFID can significantly impact physical health and well-being, and early intervention is crucial.
Since September I have been going to Hypnotherapy with Bonsai Tree Hypnotheraphy, I went in with no expectations, and whilst it is going to be a long journey, I have made good progress and have started trying new foods.
So if you are reading this, this not about getting sympathy or wanting you treat me differently. Writing this blog was to raise awareness. I encourage everyone if you are struggling with eating in which every way, please do reach out for help as it can change your life, please always remember there is no shame in having an eating disorder.
Beat, Eating Disorders charity has great advice and support for those going through eating disorder or people supporting their loved ones.
Comments are closed