Struggling with bulimia. Need help
Posted , 3 users are following.
I've been struggling with bulimia for the past 7 months and i REALLY need help. I went to my GP as soon as it started and she referred me to the eating disorders service. I have been waiting for the last 6 months and i STILL have not got an appointment with them. I have called them several times to ask whats happening and i was told that the therapist is currently on leave. I dont want to go through them anymore as they are just messing me around and im getting nowhere. I cant cope/wait any longer i need help now and its gotten a lot worse please help i dont know what to do should i see a therapist for CBT or some other therapy? I also have chronic depressionand anxiety. I'm on antidepressants but not in any form of therapy.
0 likes, 3 replies
katlouise1989 nikki0512
Posted
Hi Nikki
Sorry to hear about your struggles but you've done exactly the right thing - visiting your GP and also following up with the service.
Unfortunately this is a really common picture which is why charities are campaigning for maximum waiting times. I would give Beat - the UK's eating disorder charity, a call. Their helpline isn't a therapy service but it is very good and is totally free and confidential. (Open every day 3pm-10pm). They also have email and message support if you don't want to speak on the phone. There are a number of online support group, including ones specific to bulimia.
Does your service know about your other mental illnesses? Sometimes you get seen quicker if they are aware of any co-morbidities.
So in terms of things you can do.
- your GP sounds good (often the first battle!) so I'd try and get regular appointments with them so they can check in. A mental health consultation is just as important as someone who has come in with a new ailment like stomach pain.
- ask your GP to monitor your essentials e.g blood tests (especially potassium as that is often low with bulimia), ECG
- keep a food and mood diary as this will be helpful when you do get seen.
- keep on at the service and encourage the GP to follow up with them too
- if you are still having issues, you might want to try a local advocacy service. I think Mind runs some and these are people who advocate for you for treatment. Beat doesn't do this yet unfortunately.
- you can follow various complaints procedures (in doing so, I'd cite the impact it is having on you and also the importance of receiving treatment early)
- write to you CCG (I assume this is a community eating disorder service?)
- write to your MP / ask to meet with them (believe it or not they do actually make a difference)
On some of these if you need any help, private message me (particularly regarding the MP) as I have a lot of experience in this area
- don't give up and keep taking to friends and family. Having a good support network is vital, even when you are in treatment
I really feel for you - if there's anything more I can do to help, let me know
nikki0512 katlouise1989
Posted
I'm not going to go through the NHS anymore, waiting times are too long, as im not currently working i need something i can start straight away. I know it is expensive to do private therapy but i think thats my only option at the moment.
brian_49437 nikki0512
Posted