Okay, everybody. today I need your advice. I am feeling really stupid for having missed these signs (no, it doesn't have anything to do with H).
Yesterday afternoon I got a call from the school counselor. Long story short - my beautiful D13 has developed bulimia.
We've always tried so hard to talk with her as she was growing up about healthy body images, and how unrealistic those models are, and how they are mostly sick with anorexia. I always took care not to "diet" in front of the kids. She always took pride in her great muscles and athletic strength. I was even aware that she might be at risk, being a perfectionistic middle child, and given the family drama of last year. Still, I missed the signs - boy, kids can be sneaky - and I thank god for her girlfriends who spoke to the counselor at school.
I think her prognosis is good - although the anorexia has been going on for a few months, the bulimia only started a month ago, and only really became frequent a week ago, according to her. She is worried about the fact that she has lost her appetite, and although she says she still feels fat, she also says she knows she isn't and is worried about things like her lack of concentration in school. She is underweight but probably only by 10 lbs. or so.
We will, of course, be getting her into counseling right away, and hopefully onto meds. I'm sure others of you out there have been through this and can offer me some sage advice.
