I'm starting to think that my younger brother has an eating disorder. At first I thought that he was just trying to get himself into better shape, but I think he's taking it a little too far. He thinks that he needs to run a mile for every potato chip he eats. I believe in taking care f yourself because your stuck with yourself until you die, hey, may as well make the best of it, right? I also believe in splurging and keeping a healthy balance in between the both.
When he,(Zack) was younger, he was 'the cute fat little boy'. His friends all made fun of him and I think the poor kid honestly took it all to heart. Around sixth grade my dad started getting us into motocross and go-kart racing. He made us change our diets and start working out. Ever since then, my brothers lost weight and toned up. He looked great when he started high school.
So, I saw him yesterday, for the first time in about 3 weeks, and he looks like shit. I bet he only weighs 140lbs......HE'S FREAKIN 6'2"!!! You can see his ribs and the bones in his back. Its so gross. He stayed with me for the day and I had to practically shove food down his throat to get him to eat anything. After I made him eat, he wanted to ride his bike 4 miles. So, what do I do now? I can't watch him destroy himself and I don't think my dads even caught on yet...somehow. I really scares me! Should I go to my parents or take the heart to heart talk approach? Will a heart to heart even do anything? I think its past that point.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
This sounds like quite a stressful discovery. Based on what you're describing it does sound like a serious eating disorder. I think that because so much attention has been given to women and eating disorders, male struggles with the disease are often overlooked. I would definitely do some type of intervention so your brother gets the help he needs. Make sure that you also have support in this.
The best thing that I think you could do is to take your brother to a doctor or personal trainer, you know people that are in the shape your brother wants to be. Maybe having some who is were your brother wants to be, will mean more then the whole big sister thinks she knows best. As an older sister I have learned that most younger siblings always think that whole heart to heart talk from some one older usually get translated into I know more then you.
I would have to say talk to your parents about it. Your brother needs help from doctors, both the mental and physical kind. A healthy weight for someone that is 6'2" is somewhere in the ballpark of 180lb. I am no expert, obviously, but something absolutely has to be done. It can be done now, or it can be done once he has done so much damage that he can't survive without a hospital stay.
I'd talk to him about it before talking to your parents. You don't want to alienate him or make him feel ganged up on. I don't really know too much about eating disorders, but I know you need to handle it delicately. Also, realize right away that it's going to be a long, hard road. If you need someone to talk to or anything, I could give you my email. Also, the issue or cause probably has little to do with weight, but more with control..
And for whatever reason, I'd like to mention that I've known two anorectic boys and one anorectic girl. I guess what I mean to say by mentioning that is more focus needs to be put on the fact that both sexes are affected by this disorder.
Keep on keepin' on and stuff!!
Wow hun. :( I would be way worried too. It definitly doesn't sound healthy. I would talk to him. Pull him aside and bring it up. Tell him you are concerned and hear what he has to say. I think this is one of those things that he is still gonna do whatever he wants anyway, but maybe no one has said anything and he doesn't see it...I also have this belief that people all have a different purpose. I know I might sound a little crazy but: I believe in reincarnation. I think everyone goes through life time after time all in the name of learning. Maybe he really is going through all of this because he is so consumed with his image and sick of being "the fat kid". He needs to learn that how others percieve you should only matter through your actions or oppinions, not how you look because like you said-you are stuck with yourself until you die-even in old age when your youth fades and your skin sags. Poor thing, I hope it all works out. Trust your gut, if you think there is a problem there probably is, talk to him, see how he feels. Tell him you love him and are looking out for his best interest!
p.s. I didn't know you liked Faith No More! Fuck yeah! :)
Post a Comment