TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I am having an intense problem with bulimia and anorexia. I can't seem to overcome either. I either starve, or eat and puke the whole lot up. I am feeling totally crappy, and I just don't know what to do.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,

I'm really glad that you contacted us. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to deal with that, but its great you are trying to get help. Is there anyone you can talk to about this like your parents or a teacher, because getting the help and support of an adult or someone you are close with can really help you overcome it. This is a difficult situation and you shouldn't go through it alone. You could try and figure out what causes you to have the urge to starve yourself or throw up and the try to solve or prevent those causes.

There are many resources that can really help you that you might want to contact. You might want to call the Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention at 1.800.931.2237 or www.edap.org or at nationaleatingdisorder.org. These are resources in the United States, and I'm sure you can look up other resources in your area. You can always call us here at TEEN LINE every night from 6-10 PM Pacific Standard Time at 310.855.4673

TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I want to know if i am in starvation mode or not.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,
That sounds like a scary question. Have you been starving yourself? Maybe you can ask your doctor if you have more questions. We would really like to know more about what is going on so we can help you better. Feel free to call our hotline, the number is 310-855-4673. We are open every night from 6-10 PST.

-A TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My therapist has just found out about my eating disorder, but we haven't talked about it yet. What do I say at my next appointment?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Thank you for emailing TEEN LINE. It might be scary for you that your therapist just found out something about you. How did she find out about your eating disorder? Did you tell her about it or did someone else? Just remember that your therapist is there to help you, no matter if you say the right thing to them or not. It is quite possible that in your next appointment your therapist will bring up the subject of your eating disorder and then you tell whatever you feel comfortable telling them. If you need someone else to talk to please call us here at TEEN LINE any day from 6-10 pm Pacific Daylight Time. Our number is (310) 855-4673.

Thanks,
a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
how can i go to 160 to 130 healthy?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey! Thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. Well firstly it depends on how tall you are, but otherwise it is a mixture between eating healthy and exercising consistently. 30 pounds is a lot of weight to lose so you need to make sure you do this the right way. If you stop eating or just eat small portions of unhealthy food it could become very dangerous, and could potentially lead to anorexia. I reccomend you talking to a nutritionist or trainer to help you figure out a good workout plan for your body type. It worries me that the media is affecting your decision to lose so much weight, and I hope you realize that those people do not represent the normal body type that the majority of American's have. If you have any other questions feel free to call us at 310 855 4673 and we are open from 6 to10 PST.

Thanks!
A TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I think my friend is anorexic. She never eats, and she always wears huge clothes and makes up excuses to why she doesnt have a lunch... i'm scared, and i don't know who to tell. what should i do? how should i ask her about it?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for emailing us at TEEN LINE. It sounds like your friend's issues with food is causing you serious distress and worry. Have you ever asked her about it and told her about your concerns? It's great that you are concerned for your friend's health, but its also important for you to understand that there is a limit to how much you can help you friend personally. Your mental health is also extremely important and involving a parent, school councilor or adult might take a lot of the pressure off you. You can also contact the national eating disorder association (800) 931-2237, open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM PST. They can help you locate appropriate support groups or medical attention for your friend. Feel free to contact TEEN LINE, or have you friend call TEEN LINE, (310) 855-4673 open from 6-10pm PST too.

a TEEN LINE teen