If you suspect you have an eating disorder, then your first reaction might be to belittle yourself or beat yourself up. No matter how you initially react to your suspicion, the first choice you should make is to remember that an eating disorder is a possible problem or even a disease, but it's not an indication you are personally a failure as an individual. From there, take the right steps to deal with it.

Start Journaling

Track your eating. Alternatively, you might also track your lack of eating. Keeping a journal with what you eat and drink, when, how much, and why are all information professionals might use to ascertain your specific condition. Chances are good that you'll be assigned this by your doctor anyway, so getting started ahead of time makes things easier for you.

Consult Your Doctor

Your primary care physician or family doctor is a good place to start if you want an official diagnosis. Self-diagnosing yourself might be tempting if you're convinced, but only a qualified professional can actually make the call. If your doctor can't nail it down or can't help you, they will still be the person who can refer you to the right specialist who can help you. You might also discover that you don't have an eating disorder but might actually have something else going on. Either way, your doctor can figure out what's going on and help you get better.

Consider Your Choices

Even when your medical team identifies the specific eating disorder that you might have, there can be multiple treatment options for eating disorders. They might make recommendations, but as a patient, the choice should ultimately be up to you as to how you want to proceed. So carefully consider the options that your doctor gives you.

Find Support

Eating disorders are sometimes the result of negative influences around you. There might also be people in your regular social circle that you know you can't count on to help you with this because they might judge or criticize you. Identify the friends and family you can rely on for support, and let them help you through this journey.

Even if you do actually have an eating disorder, you didn't always. You can get treatment and become healthy again with enough time. Forgive yourself for any relapses or setbacks you have along the way, and keep at it. You can regain your health.