Depression and thoughts of self harm do to being Anorexic...anyone else??

Hello I am 31 years old and weigh 83 lbs. I can't stop counting my calories and checking my weight. This eating disorder got ahold of me. I already suffer from bipolar disorder and depression but my depression has gotten so much worse now that I have this. I feel down all the time and feel like giving up on life...does anyone else that has this eating disorder feel the same way as I do? No medication is working its just getting worse.

Please keep trying. I read where you have four kids. Do it for them--also having bipolar illness makes it tough. I'm now studying to be a Psych Nurse Practitioner. If you don't mind me asking, what meds have you tried?

I am now on Geodon..the highiest dosage. And Wellbutrin....the highiest dosage. I was on Zoloft, Paxel, lithium,depakote,Prozac,celexa and I'm sure their was more I can't remember. The doctor wanted to take me off the Wellbutrin and put me back on the Prozac that dint work cause he thinks the Wellbutrin isn't helping with the eating disorder and I said no. I just don't know what else to do. I have to fight through this on my own I guess. I do have four kids and I'm trying to stay strong enough for them and its tough.

What about Invega Sustenna? Good results I've seen w it... Plus there are brand-new transdermal antidepressants out there. Are you in therapy? I'd suggest 2-3 times weekly. Have you ever been IP for treatment? Remember: a lot of people care. Please keep posting to me...

Coming from a similar background I found support groups helpful as well as working with professionals (therapists, psychiatrists, nutritionists).  Sometimes antidepressants make things worse (4 years of that), one thing I found useful was CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  Basically retraining your thought process to be more reasonable and positive and have a better outcome...like instead of "oh im going to fail why bother" and then not trying or just going through the motion you say "ok lets give this a shot and see what i can do" and actually trying harder at the task and feelling more accomplished

*i am not an expert so please read up from your doctor about my advice* have you ever tried orlanzapine *cant spell* for your ed?? It is a anti-psychotic but here in the uk we use on ed patients for there appetite it works wonders, it's very helpfully for depression too!

I have been dealing with severe depression and anorexia since I was 10 or 11.  I was in and out of the hospital for self harm/suicide attempts/anorexia 10+ times.  I tried over 20 medications and lots of therapy.  Nothing helped.

I know this may seem drastic, but the only thing that helped me was ECT (electroconvulsive therapy or "shock therapy").  I started getting it when I was 15 or 16.  At that point, I wouldn't eat unless someone was making me.   I was suicidal and frequently self-harming.  After a few treatments , I started noticing a big difference.  In a few weeks, I remember calling my mom and telling her to come home so I could "show her" that I was eating ice cream (for the first time in years).  As the depression lifted my ED thoughts began to recede.  I still battle these thoughts, but things are so much better.  I wouldn't be alive without ECT.  It completely changed my life, with ver few side effects.  It's painless and quick, with fast results.  If you have any questions feel free to message me.

Good idea! ECT helps a lot of people who can't be helped other ways. Just remember that it can take multiple treatments.

I'm sorry to hear about your suffering. I commend you on your awareness and willingness to get help.

This is just something to think about but a friend of mine who has an ED (in recovery) had to stop using calorie counting / Diet websites because They became too triggering for her.

I think there are mental health support websites out there.. I suggest looking int those. I bet they could give you better help support to fit your needs (in conjunction with your doctor)

Also, have you talked to your Doc about Lamictal? Several Family members have had great success on this.