What could cause distress after eating?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 17 years old, and I believe I have an eating disorder along with other mental health concerns. My eating habits fluctuate between extremes; either I do not eat at all or overeat. When I do eat, it often leads to tears, and I find myself vomiting afterward. My sleep patterns are erratic; sometimes, I struggle to sleep, while other times, I sleep excessively. Lately, I have been overwhelmed by feelings of emptiness and loneliness. A lot is happening in my life, yet I feel like nothing positive is occurring. Academic validation used to bring me joy, but now everything feels hollow. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. It appears you may have anorexia nervosa disorder. There are non-pharmacological approaches to manage it, and you should consider following the guidelines below to address it. The following steps can be beneficial:

Engage in daily exercise for 30 to 45 minutes, such as going for a walk.
Practice meditation for 20 minutes each day. Simply sit comfortably and focus on your normal breathing without attempting to stop or control your thoughts. Allow them to flow naturally; this can promote relaxation.
Consume healthy, home-cooked meals while avoiding junk food. Opt for smaller portions, but increase the frequency of your meals. Prioritize foods rich in fiber and protein.
Ensure adequate hydration by drinking enough water.
Allocate quality time to spend with friends and family daily.
Dedicate time to creative hobbies such as reading, journaling, painting, drawing, or learning new skills, languages, or musical instruments.
Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Refrain from tobacco, alcohol, or any form of substance abuse.
Embrace living your life fully rather than merely existing.
If symptoms persist despite adhering to these recommendations for four to six weeks, consider consulting a healthcare professional for possible short-term medication options.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.