How would you feel if your girlfriend had an eating disorder?

I have on-and-off anorexia which gets much worse when I'm in a relationship or entering a relationship with a guy. I'm only in sixth form at the moment and I've only had a small handful of short-lived relationships, so I don't know how guys would deal with an eating disorder long-term, because I've never got far along enough in a relationship with a guy for him to find out/for me to tell him.

I'd like honest answers to the question above, please.

Reply 1

Lambert87

If the guy is decent enough he should help and support you through it

Reply 2

username1623349

I'm really sorry to hear about your anorexia. Are you seeing a doctor or a specialist to help with this? You need to get to the root of the problem, rather than just accepting that anorexia comes whenever you're in a relationship. That way, one day you may be able to overcome your eating disorder and not have to worry as much.

Reply 3

EdwardBarfield9

It wouldn't put me off at all. I have physical, mental and learning disabilities so if I were to say that I wouldn't date someone with a disorder would make me one of the worst kinds of hypocrites. I'd love to help and support her as it would make me happy to do so

Reply 4

CON5P1RACY K1D

If the guy truly likes you then he'll support you, simples *meerkat screech*

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

Original post by georgiaswift

I feel like (at the moment at least) it isn't serious enough to warrant seeing a doctor about it. I'm already on a waiting list for therapy for anxiety, but waiting lists in my area are up for 4 years. I feel like the only way I'll get help from the NHS is when I starve myself to the point of collapsing. I think part of the root of my problem is that I've grown up not being exposed to guys a lot, and my dad wasn't the best role model for me. So for some reason my brain starts telling me to stop eating and start obsessing over my weight whenever I'm in prolonged contact with a guy! :s-smilie:

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

Original post by EdwardBarfield9

I'm sorry to hear about your disabilities. I can get where you're coming from, because from my personal experiences with mental struggles, it would also put me in a position where I would be more tolerant and able to help a partner with their own disorders. Thank you :h:

Reply 7

EdwardBarfield9

Original post by Anonymous

No problem, always happy to help :smile:

Reply 8

DancingOnTheSand

You described your anorexia as on/off... this sounds more like EDNOS than anorexia to me, where your eating disorder shifts and develops new patterns all the time

Reply 9

username457532

Original post by DancingOnTheSand

You described your anorexia as on/off... this sounds more like EDNOS than anorexia to me, where your eating disorder shifts and develops new patterns all the time

EDNOS doesn't have to change a lot. I have EDNOS my eating patterns and relationship with food has been pretty constant for years. That doesn't mean I don't have EDNOS.

I'd eat her

I'd try and support and help them through it, so long as they were willing to help themselves.

Reply 12

DancingOnTheSand

Original post by SmallTownGirl

EDNOS doesn't have to change a lot. I have EDNOS my eating patterns and relationship with food has been pretty constant for years. That doesn't mean I don't have EDNOS.

Sorry I didn't make myself clear, i know how frustrating it is when people don't understand your eating disorder.
What i meant is that EDNOS often does shift around for many people, and OP's eating disorder sounded more similar to that than anorexia