It is essential to remember that only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose a mental health disorder accurately.
The behavior you described, where you stop eating as a response to feeling mad at yourself or out of control, can be a concerning sign and may potentially indicate an eating disorder. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and often a sense of control.
The feeling of empowerment you mentioned when you stop eating might be related to a temporary sense of control over your emotions or circumstances. However, this coping mechanism can be harmful in the long run and negatively impact your physical and mental well-being.
Common eating disorders include:
- Anorexia nervosa: Characterized by severe restriction of food intake, fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image.
- Bulimia nervosa: Involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging (e.g., self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives).
- Binge eating disorder: Frequent episodes of uncontrollable overeating without purging behaviors.
- Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED): Symptoms of an eating disorder that do not fit the specific criteria for the mentioned disorders.
It's crucial to seek help from a mental health professional if you believe you might be struggling with disordered eating or have concerns about your relationship with food and emotions. They can provide a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and guidance on the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
Remember that reaching out for help is a brave and positive step towards improving your well-being. You don't have to face this challenge alone, and there are resources and support available to help you on your journey to recovery.