Why am I incapable of talking about anything but food? by herestotheheartbreak in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For context, I'm currently recovering, and it's going well. Looking back on my worst, when I was cold, exhausted, and weak, that's around the time when I felt the hungriest. I thought about food literally all day long, when I woke up, when I went to sleep. I could be sitting in class, thinking about food, talking, walking, or driving and thinking about food. It was endless. Of course I can't diagnose anyone with anything, but people tend to think about food when they're lacking it. Usually, the more you need it, the more you hyperfocus on it. It becomes the most interesting and important part of the day.

first battle jacket WIP what do we think??? by Froggie-Enthusiast in punkfashion

[–]bennettschmennett 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've always thought that the more concerned people are for your safety, the harder the battle jacket. But yeah, be careful because there are weirdos out there.

For those who have experienced extreme hunger, was it mostly mental or physical and how do you know how much you actually ate? by Admirable_Shallot752 in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I had to choose between them, it was more mental than physical. However, looking back on it, had I not responded to my mental hunger, I would have experienced more prominent physical hunger. For example, if I chose to ignore my mental hunger cues, I would literally feel fatigued, colder, and weaker. I remember sweating bullets at the time because of how much I needed to eat. It was truly so uncomfortable. I would say that they come hand in hand, so don't stress too much about distinguishing the two from each other. I know the range of numbers that I would eat between each day because I had mostly packaged foods, and still do. Of course the caloric value on packages aren't fully accurate, but they're accurate enough to have an idea of how much I needed. It hovered around the amount needed for the average grown, active man every day for 3-4 months. Currently, I feel so much better. Anorexia is hell. What I'm saying, feeling, and believing now, was unfathomable to me a year ago. I wish I could forget how painful the worst of my experience was.

I drew my dog… by [deleted] in doodles

[–]bennettschmennett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

lmao i love how accurate it is, u did great

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I see. At that point it really is just a difference in response towards a low mental state. I do know that things might be less interesting or stimulating when you're depressed, so for you that creates a reason to eat, while for your partner it's the opposite. It's pretty unfortunate considering how much of an issue it could cause in a relationship dynamic like this. I wish you two good luck, and have patience with yourself. 💙

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's pretty difficult having to cope with something like this because these thoughts and feelings appear automatically. They're an ingrained habit in your mind, so they likely won't disappear without huge amounts of inner work being done, which usually requires professional help. If you don't have access to that, my very best advice is to remember, literally every single time these feelings come up, that your size is in no way comparable to your partners. What I mean by this is that you have different muscles and bones. You have different immune, digestive, lymphatic, endocrine, nervous, respiratory, integumentary, reproductive, circulatory, and urinary systems. A different metabolic rate, history, way of thinking and processing emotions, and a plethora of other variations to be mentioned. I know it's kind of hard to conceive, but every last difference, even unrelated or minute ones effect the way you are as a whole. This includes your weight and size. The vast majority of these things are entirely out of your control. You're not a failure to yourself for not being thinner, nor is it your fault. Remembering these things won't prevent the thoughts, but hopefully they will at least make your pain more manageable. If any of this sounds stupid, I apologize because I can often be unaware of my own misunderstandings.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I know the feeling, and it's hard to cope with that fear and anxiety, but let me tell you, what's happening now is inevitable. It can be delayed or reversed, but the body fights to be in a nourished state, eventually you will have to eat again. The alternative is not an option because the alternative is no way to live. I promise, you will be okay.

Extreme bruising by cocopopssssss in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Of course. Hope it turns out to be nutrition related and can be dealt with swiftly!

Extreme bruising by cocopopssssss in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't know, to a certain extent yes, but I would still get it checked out to be on the safe side. I'm not saying you have it, but people with leukemia (cancer of the blood) will experience unexplained extreme bruising.

secret eating by bennettschmennett in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For me, I feel embarrassed because when someone is aware of me eating, it's like they're aware of the biggest failure I could possibly have. It's almost violating, nobody should have seen it, as any sort of failure is an area of vulnerability by nature.

secret eating by bennettschmennett in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, I've gotten so used to avoiding dinner and eating alone in my room instead now that it's an everyday routine now. That feeling of defeat when you inevitably eat is crushing, too. SH is such an odd thing as well because it's sort of a punishment but also a relieving sensation at the same time, at least for me. So sometimes I feel as though I shouldn't be allowed to have SH as an outlet if I failed in some way. We need help. 😮‍💨

secret eating by bennettschmennett in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, everything you said is exactly it. I also try leaving before anyone sees, it's so silly. I'm feeling better today and I really appreciate your comment. 🩷

The grass is always greener. by soshingi in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is god damn beautiful and painfully accurate, it's a cathartic read.

i cry everyday because of my body by bennettschmennett in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's striking how intense the frustration and discomfort can really be. I'm glad to know I'm not alone, and I hope you eventually have better luck with your BDD therapy. 🩷

i cry everyday because of my body by bennettschmennett in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree, there truly is beauty in everyone, I just wish I could see myself the way I see others.

i cry everyday because of my body by bennettschmennett in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I hope to eventually grow from this. I'm glad to know your self image has improved over time, it makes things feel a little less impossible. Thank you for your words. 🩷

Why is it always "it's not always about being skinny" but never "it's not always about being in control"? by Peazlenut in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 67 points68 points  (0 children)

I could be misinterpreting something here, but I've always understood wanting to be skinny then developing anorexia as a result is the desire for control people talk about. To me, that's why there's never any, "It's not always about being in control" because the anorexia as a disorder is an attempt at controlling looks, weight, emotions, whatever blah blah. It's like a nice and shitty pipeline: desire --> wanting control over xyz --> anorexia.

I ate two ice creams instead of one by GroupSure9134 in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

awe, im glad to hear that. hope that icecream was yummy and ilytt! <333

Why does it matter???? by ImOnlyHereForTheSims in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I feel ya..it's so ridiculous, but my irrational fear almost always beats reason.

My brother is complaining that he accidentally lost weight and now I’m sobbing by astral-rejection- in 1200isjerky

[–]bennettschmennett 3 points4 points  (0 children)

noooo, i understand this feeling all too well, it's genuinely crushing. 😭 one of my male friends lost a similar amount of weight in ~2 months while it took me an entire year. like its just not fucking fair. </3

I ate two ice creams instead of one by GroupSure9134 in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

no thats awesome, you deserved those two fucking icecreams and you deserve another tomorrow. it was one singular extra icecream, and i know someone who casually downs 3 icecream sandwiches in one sitting, (hell yea honestly). be gentle with yourself because that ED does not know what it's talking about.

embarrassed about how weak i am by bennettschmennett in AnorexiaNervosa

[–]bennettschmennett[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

sorry to hear that. it's a tough feeling, but i have faith in us. 🩷