Eating Disorders, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts
Q: I'm 21 years old and have had multiple eating disorders
throughout my life. I've been "healthy" for periods of time but always
seem to slide back to my old habits. I know this is a life-long illness, but
I feel that there has to be at least a little hope. Recently (for as long as
2 weeks or more), I've been feeling unusually sad, my eating is not the greatest,
and I've had many thoughts of suicide. I know that depression/eating disorders
go hand in hand so I'm used to feeling this way, but at this age, is it normal
to be feeling so bad that there are thoughts of suicide?
Dr. Donnica: Thoughts of suicide are NEVER "normal", although
they are much more common than you might think. Please consult a psychiatrist
TODAY. If you can't locate one who can see you immediately, please call your
local hospital's emergency room and request a referral.
I am encouraged by the fact that you have written seeking help; while you are
in a major depression, you do have some sense of hope. Yes, your eating disorders
and your depression are most likely linked and these are both lifelong illnesses.
While they can't be cured per se, they can be successfully managed with both
psychotherapy and one of several excellent medications available.
For more
information on eating disorders, click here.
Click here for more information about depression or other mental health issues.
Created: 9/15/2002 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
