Does this qualify as an eating disorder?

[User Anon.]

Hey, everyone!

I never thought about this as anything out of the ordinary before, but everyone I talk to says it is Anyway, I'm a 16 year old male (I don't know what details you might need, so I'm just throwing these in :P ) and I eat sugar every time I'm angry/irritated or both. I dont even think about it, every time I feel that way, I just head to the kitchen and dump about 2-3 tablespoons of sugar into my mouth, I think it's on a subconscious level that I do it. I don't know if the sugar helps, I think it does help me calm down a bit, but I'm not too sure

So, what do you guys think? I don't know much about eating disorders Oh yeah, I also have a lack of appetite, even though I'm hungry, I don't feel like eating the food that's on my plate I mean, when I'm really hungry, I head to the kitchen to see if there's anything for me to eat, but once I look at the food, I don't feel like putting it in my mouth. What's up with that? I think that's because of my depression and everything, though. Don't know if it's related. Just saying :P

Any information would be appreciated, thank you for your time

[Always *]

Bare in mind that I'm not a medical professional so I can't be the one to say for sure, but I would be happy to share my own insight to what you described to hopefully help you out (mini disclaimer is done now lol)

For the loss of appetite - You mention that you have depression, and I know that that can affect your health. I have anxiety and I know that I've also felt that way where I just don't feel hungry (even though I am hungry?). It's a side affect / symptom of many mood disorders to lose your appetite (anxiety and depression being the more common ones).

For eating the sugar, I mean, we all have quirks? It might just be the funny little thing that is your response / coping mechanism. I'm not quite sure why your specifically eating what I understand is white sugar - is there a lack of other sugary foods in your home? - but who knows.

If this is something your struggling with, you could try counselling. Talking to a professional can help a lot to work through these things and identify why you think and act the way you do (trust me, it helps).

[Palmolive]

Hi there,

I'm not medically trained so I personally can only offer advice on experience and can not give you a diagnosis of an eating disorder etc.

Personally, I wouldn't say you have an eating disorder. You do this when you feel a certain way so it sounds like a coping mechism although I've not heard of anyone do this one before, it could be possible. And not having an appetite could easily be caused by you feeling low and depressed. Have you spoken to anyone about all of this? If it's not having a big affect in your life, you don't necessarily have too but if it is having a big affect on your life and you feel depressed a lot or angry etc, I want to encourage you to talk to someone about it. Someone like a teacher, a family member, a friend, a counsellor or your doctor just for some support. These people can all help you through this in different ways and I think having a good support network is vital if this is having a big impact on your life, so maybe it's something to think about.

In the meantime know that we're here for you anytime you need us and you're more than welcome to message me anytime.

Hope and wishes,
Jessie