Something I would like to stress

The information presented on this site is not a substitution for professional healthcare advice. Always consult your doctor for questions or guidance on medical problems and conditions.

This is right above the title before you post a new topic in Health and Support. And it is 100% correct - CC is not a replacement for your doctor at the end of the day, nor for your therapist, nutritionist, family, friends, and loved ones. Not even for your dog.

The point is, if you're asking something you really ought to be asking a doctor (or any of the others listed above) then think about it. Throwing out a symptom with no apparent cause can't be diagnosed by a forum either. Your spot on your chin could be an allergic reaction as much it could be the beginnings of measles as much it could be just a place you forgot to wash. We have no way of knowing.

This paragraph particularly to those who are recovering from an eating disorder: if you are not making your calorie needs, if you are underweight but not making 2500 or not sticking to your meal plans, if you are actively purging, bingeing, chewing and spitting, overexercising, et al... you need to go to a doctor, not ask for CC support. And if you do not have your doctor's advice already go to them first before you post here.

Really, though, that does apply to anyone; essentially, if your condition is serious or something that, ultimately, posting on a forum will NOT produce a helpful response for, you need to seek face-to-face answers and advice and not that of CC. CC is a great source of support but not a SOLE support.

Hello!

  I totally agree with you, check with your doctor if you have any concern about yourself. CC is a great place of support. I have posted up some topics on stuff in which I am concerned about, but not for someone to help diagnose me or anything, people here are posting stuff ( I think I'm not speaking for the majority here now) to see if anyone maybe can relate. Being able to relate or hear other people's stories can be uplifting, just getting it out, your concerns, also helps. For example, it's 4 am here now, I just posted about some unusual mole, hoping someone can relate, no way I can see a doctor now, I just want support from fellow CC-ers (CC-ettes, CC-ians???lol)

This site is also about helping people with ED problems, or letting us know their side of the story (that's what I'm getting at anyways), so I'm pretty sure to them it's obvious they should see a doctor (if not, they shouldn't be bitching.)

I hope this doesn't sound saucy! I don't mean for it too :)

Take care
-Amber S

Oh, I am absolutely all for support. CC has been a lifesaver in some situations for me, but I know I also cannot rely on it completely for that. The problematic posts are those from people who seek a diagnosis before speaking to a doctor or have a problem that should be treated by a doctor and not a website. Support is one thing but thinking that a webpage alone will make you better isn't good. D: