I’m the mom of a son with anorexia. Things have been very bad in my household for almost a year now, and gets worse day by day. We cry and expect the worst every second of every day.
Seeking help has been so difficult during these times. For reasons he won’t go for inpatient treatment (very few have openings or take males anyway). His long-term therapist cut us off, saying his problems were beyond her skill level. We found a highly rated psychiatrist who gave him a 1 hour video chat (for $1200), then said nope, not his wheelhouse.
Sorry to vent.
I’m looking for hope. Please, if anyone has any recovery stories, or words of wisdom, I’d love to hear them.
Does anyone know of any online message boards that focus on the parents? My husband has sunk into a worse depression, and I worry he won’t make it as well. We live in a small place, so difficult to consult on the phone where my son won’t hear us.
Try to get a telemedicine consult with a University medical-center-based Child and Adolescent Psychiatry service that utilizes psychiatry residents doing fellowships.
Associated with a medical school you will get excellent and the most up to date care.
New York, thanks for the advice.
We have called places around the country, but many are booked up for months. Covid and lockdowns have been very stressful for the most vulnerable, and many are seeking teleconference help as well.
Can’t add anything to BippityBoppityBoo’s good advice, but I had a couple of students (girls) who had successful treatment for anorexia, so there is hope.
Also, you might try this online, moderated forum for parents of those with eating disorders. The site is run by a non-profit and looks like you might get some good resources/referrals there.
Is your husband getting help for his depression? If I understand correctly, he was struggling with depression even before your son’s eating disorder manifested itself, so I hope he’s getting treatment for that.
Take good care of yourself. It sounds like you have a whole lot on your shoulders.
An adult child of mine is finishing a residency in psychiatry, heading into a Child and Adolescent Psych specialty fellowship in a few months. I can ask him for leads for you to check with in your area if you’d like. It is tricky to sort through because of the pandemic, the gender of the person with anorexia, locale, etc. The family needs support as well if the treatment is to work. Anorexia treatment in the best of situations and times is among the most demanding and lengthy in psychiatry. PM me your general locale and the range in miles you’d be able to access readily if you’d like me to ask for some recommendations for you.
I’m sorry Wallet, I will be praying for you. I don’t think anything brings about heartache the way problems with one’s children does. I’m sure it’s even harder that your son is going through a more unique situation than most.
I’ve worked with teens in the past and there is just no rhyme or reason for why some have problems and others don’t. The only thing I can say is try to love your son through all of this and try to let him know he is loved. It probably won’t make much of a difference right now but maybe it will help with the healing in the future.
