Thanks for watching! I wanted to make this video to spread awareness because I know ARFID is severely misunderstood and so many of us go through life thinking there's something wrong with us but don't know what. Hopefully, this will help. Happy to answer any questions you may have :)
Thank you and yes agree. The more people know about it, the more resources we'll have to reach out for help. I hope this reaches the right people. Wishing you all the best in your journey, whether it's you or someone you know
The dirty dishes thing was so specific but so trueee, people need more awareness about arfid, and I’m gonna send this video to my parents to show them stuff that I feel
Ah I understand your pain. It can definitely be difficult explaining it to other people especially since the disorder isn't that well known yet. If you're looking to get treated, I highly recommend Felix as he's helped me a ton. But if you're not yet ready for that step, then I respect it. I hope it gets a little easier for you!
Hi Adrian! I am sorry you are suffering this disorder. I am Jen I am 53 and struggling with ARFID. Do you know any chat rooms for support or online groups?
I'm 48 and have just found out about ARFID. I can't believe there are other people like me. Since I was a kid, food has been my enemy, every single meal has been a battle, a battle I usually lose. Now I must seek help.
i haven’t been diagnosed, (also pls know im not trying to self diagnose) but i genuinely relate to almost everything you mentioned. growing up i was a “picky” eater, when in reality i have extreme anxiety about trying foods. as well as sensory issues with texture, i was constantly criticized and misunderstood by people because of my diet. i thank you so much for talking about your experience. i dont feel so alone :,)
OK so I know you said you're not self-diagnosing yourself but I think you should try to go get a proper diagnosis of it I just recently got diagnosed with arfid so I just really recommend you go and try to get a diagnosis and get some help
in my mid 40s and just now finding out about how this has jacked me up over the years. thanks for sharing your story and posting, i'm excited to learn more and finally get on the other side.
For me the hardest thing was denying my friends parents food when they would offer some and it’s food I don’t like and the anxiety around it all was so bad and yet the embarrassment of having them think I’m a bad kid for denying their food would make it worse omg I feel like I can finally say THIS is what I have this is what I have been experiencing all my life 😢
There are three/four major types of ARFID, 1) being able to eat enough volume but lacking in nutriton quality (these people tend to have normal to higher BMI), 2) having food trauma that restricts the persons eating (getting sick, allergies, choking) and this often leads to lessened volume and often variety of food, 3) having food aversions like textures, flavors, colors (these aversions overlap with #2) and 4) having an overall lack of interest in food, seeing food as a waste of time or getting full very easily or lacking hunger cues. I have multiple types of ARFID and you can have all of them at once and i have met multiple people in my life who have ARFID and i definitely agree that it is an eating/feeding disorder that needs more representation. Also it being known that it is a feeding disorder that can over lap with other eating disorder. Most people i met are actively foghting themselves to get themselves to eat, unlike other eating disorders. But yeah! Thank you for putting you voice out there and sharing!
I just started outpatient, and I'm sooo happy I'm not alone. I also have ARFID and Emet, I was feeling kinda upset and not very motivated about getting better, but you made me feel better. Thank you
I feel you. I have it but in germany it's not registered so I can't get a proper diagnose here. I lives with it my whole life and everyone told me I'm just picky but often I had to swallow when I tried and I was afraid to throw up. The texture is my biggest problem. Once I visited a doctor and I was told to just eat it. Thanks for that.....
I just found out I had this as well gven that I didn't necessarily have issues with my body image, but I'm clearly not eating enough. There's not a lot of info about it. Eating is boring and and feels like a chore rather than something to enjoy. But I'm not anxious around trying new food although I definitely stick with what I know.
It's super easy to get full and I hate feeling stuffed too which is a struggle, some food outright makes me gag from the texture. Or just feeling like stuffed makes me gag too.
I've always been 'picky' (I was actually diagnosed as a kid with 'Selective Food Intake Disorder') but I think one of the reasons I have such terrible anxiety when it comes to eating/trying new food, is the fact doctors told my mom she has to force me to eat! I hated mealtimes as a child/teen cause of that. Nowadays I'm trying to introduce new foods into my diet little by little, but I do it on my own terms! For example; I never liked scrammbled eggs cause my fam would just mix the whole egg! Few days ago I decided to give it a try, but only mixed the yolk. And suprisingly, I ended up liking it! My issue with food isn't just taste, it's also texture! Like I can eat raw carrot, but I can't even look at cooked one without gagging
I've had ARFID all my life. It got much better after a particularly bad time when i was 16 and had this terrible fear of choking for months. I went to therapy until I went off for college, but being alone let me explore food on my own terms. Now, I eat sushi like candy. I still have problems with food, but not as bad as before. Fish and chicken are safe, but not red meat, etc. My new thing is I'm going to be 30 this year, and trying to get pregnant, so I have to be good for my future children.
Recently started treatment, Ive been down and felt like giving up.. I too dont eat veggies + fruits. These videos make me feel less alone and seen! Thank you
This may be a stretch but my 11 year old daughter has exactly what you describe. I plan to watch the Q and a you posted and possibly do the treatment with the UK gentleman, but she feels so alone and I wondered if you’d be willing to speak with her about your journey. It’s one thing to watch a video but I think it would be a huge boon to her to speak with someone who understands, someone who has walked and is still walking the path. Please let me know. I’d be happy to pay for your time. I just want her to know she’s not alone and watching your video I think you two may jive.
Thank you for this!!! I’m 52 and almost certain this is what I have! Everything you described is exactly the same as me. I’m going to check out your links and look for help!
I hope it works out for you! It's been almost a year since my treatment and I've seen huge improvement. I still have a long way to go but it's been extremely liberating. I really didn't think anyone was going to be able to pull me out of it, but Felix did. Wishing you the best on your journey!
I recently ran across this "new to me" ARFID word. I instantly self diagnosed myself. Watching your video hit so many areas I was like and still like in others. Dishes for example. Until I worked a fast food restaurant, I couldn't stand to touch dirty dish water. According to my parents, I ate everything up until a certain age and then became finicky. To cut this long story that is just like yours, I am 62 and not going to attempt a change now as I have always been healthy regardless of not eating veggies, etc. Red meat, bread, pizza, junk and more junk. Good luck for you.
I don't have a fear of choking or vomiting, nor am I losing weight or deficient in nutrients. But I still feel like this may be something I have. I find that the idea of eating a lot of things turns me off and I'd rather just have a snack that I know I like. I love to eat food but a lot of the time, it's hard for me to eat whatever is for lunch or dinner. For example, I enjoy ham sandwiches but a lot of the time the texture bothers me and I just won't eat it. Same with yogurt. This is a recent thing too. I can't tell if I just have picky eating or if it could be ARFID. I might bring it up with my doctor because I want to know if it's actually ARFID or if it's something else.
Thanks for this. Now I have a name and description that explains the "Picky Ricky" nick name I've had for 65 years. Good luck with your treatment. Maybe it'll make the next 60 years easier.
Im 34 year old man. Arfid my whole life. Our brain thoughts are identical, the anxiety around everything to do with food is unreal and completely unavoidable. Even something as small as washing the dishes can spark serious anxiety. Warm food, texture and smells is what I struggle with particularly and they are everywhere and take part in some way in every type of social event which again sparks serious anxiety. From going out for meals, party's, weddings even to shopping centres. The fear of smelling something and gagging and being judged for not eating is unexplainable. As a result going anywhere always comes with serious anxiety. My diet is more restricted, I can only eat crisps, chocolate, sweets, dry toast, jam sandwichs but it had to be a specific type and brand of bread and I can only eat the middle few slices due to texture problems 🤦🏻♂️, bananna yoghurt and pastry type buns. That's it. No meat or hot meals or vegetables or anything that your basically suppose to eat for a healthy diet. It's absolute torture. Iv severe dental problems as a result of only being able to eat high sugary foods my whole life. Iv had 124 dental appointments in 10 years. Iv serious bowel movement problems and stomach cramps. High blood sugar, headache migraines. Arfid is no joke and is a very serious eating disorder that needs more awareness. Thanks for posting.
It's really a lot more intense than people think and that's why I'm glad we're spreading the word about it. I can imagine your frustration with ARFID. I hope you're able to find a helpful treatment soon because I know the feeling all too well. Rooting for you!
I don’t know if I have arfid but omg I relate so much like when I go to sleepovers it stresses me out cuz i know im not gonna eat anything or going to restaurants if they don’t have pasta I won’t eat anything😭
I’m 33 and pretty certain this is the answer to why I’m so “picky” with food. I struggle with textures, introducing new foods is anxiety inducing. The current range of food I can eat is so limited. There’s things I enjoy the taste of, but just cannot handle the texture and my body reacts. If I go out to eat I get incredibly anxious about how others interpret my pickiness, I literally tell them “please don’t tease me because I’m so picky,” because it’s what I’m sort of used to, and most of the time I’ll pull out of plans rather than deal with possibly not even finding something on the menu I can eat. I hate washing up, and thankfully that’s a chore I passed to my boyfriend when we moved in together. I cannot handle the soggy gross food chunks and grits and oils, it’s a sensory overload. It’s so hard to cook though, I don’t mind cooking what he wants for him; and usually I’ll just have something I like. But we don’t eat much variety as a result and I hate that he’s restricted because I can’t try new things. Vegetables? Salad? What’s that? If I eat any vegetables I can manage some corn, peas and broccoli, but not much. I used to love mashed potato, but as the years have gone on, I struggle with even that now, if the texture isn’t just right, I can’t stomach it, cannot have lumps in my mash! I think I need a chat with a doctor. Thankyou for this video.
Hmm 🤔 you are not the only one who dislikes lumps in their mashed potatoes. and I never have airplane food because I dislike its taste and or texture if it has sharp mustard I can't have it. I really dislike certain slells and will get nausea from them, like average smells of vanilla or certain fruits.. Im always sensible to how something is cooked and how hot it is and I don't get the idea of having a cold soup like gazpacho...do I have arfid?
Hi Tatiana! I discovered myself 9 days ago that I have been suffering from ARFID my whole life. I am 53! I was wondering if you knew any chatrooms or online group support. I am struggling. I was also wondering how is your treatment going today? Very best, Jen small
Hi I know you wrote this a month ago but There are various “arfid” groups on Facebook. They are so supportive! Just type arfid into Facebook and you should fine the groups x
Hi Jen! Happy to answer your questions! Like Amy said below, there are a lot of really great Facebook groups for Arfid. I joined the one made by Felix (the hypnotherapist who helped me). It's called: Selective Eating Disorder SED / ARFID Support Group for ADULTS with ARFID. It's been a little under a year since my treatment and the results have been incredible. I didn't think anyone was going to be able to help me but somehow he did. That fear of trying new foods has completely disappeared and I've incorporated a lot of new foods into my diet and have slowly been taking an interest in cooking. I still have a long way to go but it all comes down to how much you want to push yourself. So far, I'm happy with the progress I've made
I hope that you don't mind my asking how old were you when you received that treatment over Zoom from Felix? I found him awhile back and I am ready for my grandson to get his treatment, but Felix prefers older children. My grandson is 8 yo right now.
Would love to see a follow up video!!! I also have ARFID and ours sounds very similar. I also saw Felix virtually and would love to hear how your experience with him was and the results you have seen. We can talk privately on Instagram as well! I’ll message you there!
Hi Cassidy! It's always comforting to find someone who can relate. I do have a follow-up, just haven't gotten around to finishing editing, but that's on me. I'll post soon! And yes, feel free to message me on IG. My new handle is @bytatianamarie :)
I have ARFID too. I was nodding my head a lot listening to you. Our life experiences seem very similar. My very first job was a subway. I had to wash the dishes. Gosh. It was so awful. Touching the wet food while trying to wash it down would make me nauseous! Even thinking about it right now made my gag reflex go!
thank you so much for sharing your experience. I was diagnosed with arfid in 2016 when I was a teen and haven't had proper treatment. Its seriously limited my life in so many ways and made dating difficult, and im afraid of it causing long term health problems. Im 23 now, diagnosed at 16, it is super embarrassing. I remember before I was diagnosed I attempted unaliving once because I thought I was the only person suffering like this and I couldn't imagine ever recovering. I still have yet to seek recovery, im honestly really scared. I think im mostly scared of failure, of never over coming this disorder. I just want a normal healthy life where I don't feel controlled by my ED, I want to be in control of what I put in my body for the purpose of living a healthy life. I feel like if I don't get treatment that works, I might die early as a result of malnutrition. It seriously is scary. Its not funny, it seriously feels sincerely debilitating for me personally.
Thanks for watching! I wanted to make this video to spread awareness because I know ARFID is severely misunderstood and so many of us go through life thinking there's something wrong with us but don't know what. Hopefully, this will help. Happy to answer any questions you may have :)
this should have more views and ARFID should have more awareness.
Thank you and yes agree. The more people know about it, the more resources we'll have to reach out for help. I hope this reaches the right people. Wishing you all the best in your journey, whether it's you or someone you know
The dirty dishes thing was so specific but so trueee, people need more awareness about arfid, and I’m gonna send this video to my parents to show them stuff that I feel
I recently found out that I have ARFID I'm 45 now. And it has affected me so bad. And the worst part people don't understand why you can't eat.
Ah I understand your pain. It can definitely be difficult explaining it to other people especially since the disorder isn't that well known yet. If you're looking to get treated, I highly recommend Felix as he's helped me a ton. But if you're not yet ready for that step, then I respect it. I hope it gets a little easier for you!
Hi Adrian! I am sorry you are suffering this disorder. I am Jen I am 53 and struggling with ARFID. Do you know any chat rooms for support or online groups?
I'm 48 and have just found out about ARFID. I can't believe there are other people like me. Since I was a kid, food has been my enemy, every single meal has been a battle, a battle I usually lose. Now I must seek help.
i haven’t been diagnosed, (also pls know im not trying to self diagnose) but i genuinely relate to almost everything you mentioned. growing up i was a “picky” eater, when in reality i have extreme anxiety about trying foods. as well as sensory issues with texture, i was constantly criticized and misunderstood by people because of my diet. i thank you so much for talking about your experience. i dont feel so alone :,)
OK so I know you said you're not self-diagnosing yourself but I think you should try to go get a proper diagnosis of it I just recently got diagnosed with arfid so I just really recommend you go and try to get a diagnosis and get some help
in my mid 40s and just now finding out about how this has jacked me up over the years. thanks for sharing your story and posting, i'm excited to learn more and finally get on the other side.
For me the hardest thing was denying my friends parents food when they would offer some and it’s food I don’t like and the anxiety around it all was so bad and yet the embarrassment of having them think I’m a bad kid for denying their food would make it worse omg I feel like I can finally say THIS is what I have this is what I have been experiencing all my life 😢
thank you soo much for bringing awareness to ARFID
There are three/four major types of ARFID, 1) being able to eat enough volume but lacking in nutriton quality (these people tend to have normal to higher BMI), 2) having food trauma that restricts the persons eating (getting sick, allergies, choking) and this often leads to lessened volume and often variety of food, 3) having food aversions like textures, flavors, colors (these aversions overlap with #2) and 4) having an overall lack of interest in food, seeing food as a waste of time or getting full very easily or lacking hunger cues.
I have multiple types of ARFID and you can have all of them at once and i have met multiple people in my life who have ARFID and i definitely agree that it is an eating/feeding disorder that needs more representation. Also it being known that it is a feeding disorder that can over lap with other eating disorder. Most people i met are actively foghting themselves to get themselves to eat, unlike other eating disorders. But yeah! Thank you for putting you voice out there and sharing!
The social aspect is what I hate. People take it as you being rude when you don’t want to eat new foods
I just started outpatient, and I'm sooo happy I'm not alone. I also have ARFID and Emet, I was feeling kinda upset and not very motivated about getting better, but you made me feel better. Thank you
oh and we have the same name haha
I feel you. I have it but in germany it's not registered so I can't get a proper diagnose here. I lives with it my whole life and everyone told me I'm just picky but often I had to swallow when I tried and I was afraid to throw up. The texture is my biggest problem.
Once I visited a doctor and I was told to just eat it. Thanks for that.....
I just found out I had this as well gven that I didn't necessarily have issues with my body image, but I'm clearly not eating enough. There's not a lot of info about it. Eating is boring and and feels like a chore rather than something to enjoy. But I'm not anxious around trying new food although I definitely stick with what I know.
It's super easy to get full and I hate feeling stuffed too which is a struggle, some food outright makes me gag from the texture. Or just feeling like stuffed makes me gag too.
I have never related to something more especially the dishwashing part. Thank you for this video!
I've always been 'picky' (I was actually diagnosed as a kid with 'Selective Food Intake Disorder') but I think one of the reasons I have such terrible anxiety when it comes to eating/trying new food, is the fact doctors told my mom she has to force me to eat! I hated mealtimes as a child/teen cause of that. Nowadays I'm trying to introduce new foods into my diet little by little, but I do it on my own terms! For example; I never liked scrammbled eggs cause my fam would just mix the whole egg! Few days ago I decided to give it a try, but only mixed the yolk. And suprisingly, I ended up liking it! My issue with food isn't just taste, it's also texture! Like I can eat raw carrot, but I can't even look at cooked one without gagging
thank you for making this video!!!! it’s so tough living like this, and no one seems to understand
I've had ARFID all my life. It got much better after a particularly bad time when i was 16 and had this terrible fear of choking for months. I went to therapy until I went off for college, but being alone let me explore food on my own terms. Now, I eat sushi like candy. I still have problems with food, but not as bad as before. Fish and chicken are safe, but not red meat, etc. My new thing is I'm going to be 30 this year, and trying to get pregnant, so I have to be good for my future children.
Recently started treatment, Ive been down and felt like giving up.. I too dont eat veggies + fruits. These videos make me feel less alone and seen! Thank you
THE DISHES THING IS SO REAL
This may be a stretch but my 11 year old daughter has exactly what you describe. I plan to watch the Q and a you posted and possibly do the treatment with the UK gentleman, but she feels so alone and I wondered if you’d be willing to speak with her about your journey. It’s one thing to watch a video but I think it would be a huge boon to her to speak with someone who understands, someone who has walked and is still walking the path. Please let me know. I’d be happy to pay for your time. I just want her to know she’s not alone and watching your video I think you two may jive.
I relate to the dishwashing comment! Keep your gross food away from me. I can smell it from here. 🤮😂
Haha yes, i have to wash it with cold water or the smell becomes too intense lol
Thank you for this!!! I’m 52 and almost certain this is what I have! Everything you described is exactly the same as me. I’m going to check out your links and look for help!
I hope it works out for you! It's been almost a year since my treatment and I've seen huge improvement. I still have a long way to go but it's been extremely liberating. I really didn't think anyone was going to be able to pull me out of it, but Felix did. Wishing you the best on your journey!
I recently ran across this "new to me" ARFID word. I instantly self diagnosed myself. Watching your video hit so many areas I was like and still like in others. Dishes for example. Until I worked a fast food restaurant, I couldn't stand to touch dirty dish water. According to my parents, I ate everything up until a certain age and then became finicky. To cut this long story that is just like yours, I am 62 and not going to attempt a change now as I have always been healthy regardless of not eating veggies, etc. Red meat, bread, pizza, junk and more junk. Good luck for you.
I don't have a fear of choking or vomiting, nor am I losing weight or deficient in nutrients. But I still feel like this may be something I have. I find that the idea of eating a lot of things turns me off and I'd rather just have a snack that I know I like. I love to eat food but a lot of the time, it's hard for me to eat whatever is for lunch or dinner. For example, I enjoy ham sandwiches but a lot of the time the texture bothers me and I just won't eat it. Same with yogurt. This is a recent thing too. I can't tell if I just have picky eating or if it could be ARFID. I might bring it up with my doctor because I want to know if it's actually ARFID or if it's something else.
Thanks for this. Now I have a name and description that explains the "Picky Ricky" nick name I've had for 65 years. Good luck with your treatment. Maybe it'll make the next 60 years easier.
Thank you for an honest video
Im 34 year old man. Arfid my whole life. Our brain thoughts are identical, the anxiety around everything to do with food is unreal and completely unavoidable. Even something as small as washing the dishes can spark serious anxiety. Warm food, texture and smells is what I struggle with particularly and they are everywhere and take part in some way in every type of social event which again sparks serious anxiety. From going out for meals, party's, weddings even to shopping centres. The fear of smelling something and gagging and being judged for not eating is unexplainable. As a result going anywhere always comes with serious anxiety. My diet is more restricted, I can only eat crisps, chocolate, sweets, dry toast, jam sandwichs but it had to be a specific type and brand of bread and I can only eat the middle few slices due to texture problems 🤦🏻♂️, bananna yoghurt and pastry type buns. That's it. No meat or hot meals or vegetables or anything that your basically suppose to eat for a healthy diet. It's absolute torture. Iv severe dental problems as a result of only being able to eat high sugary foods my whole life. Iv had 124 dental appointments in 10 years. Iv serious bowel movement problems and stomach cramps. High blood sugar, headache migraines. Arfid is no joke and is a very serious eating disorder that needs more awareness. Thanks for posting.
It's really a lot more intense than people think and that's why I'm glad we're spreading the word about it. I can imagine your frustration with ARFID. I hope you're able to find a helpful treatment soon because I know the feeling all too well. Rooting for you!
Hi Tatiana! This is a wonderful video. I hope your therapy had gone well. Can you talk about what food you normally eat?
I don’t know if I have arfid but omg I relate so much like when I go to sleepovers it stresses me out cuz i know im not gonna eat anything or going to restaurants if they don’t have pasta I won’t eat anything😭
I would tend to stick to what I knew because of the fear of being unsatisfied.
So happy to see representation ❤
I’m 33 and pretty certain this is the answer to why I’m so “picky” with food. I struggle with textures, introducing new foods is anxiety inducing. The current range of food I can eat is so limited. There’s things I enjoy the taste of, but just cannot handle the texture and my body reacts. If I go out to eat I get incredibly anxious about how others interpret my pickiness, I literally tell them “please don’t tease me because I’m so picky,” because it’s what I’m sort of used to, and most of the time I’ll pull out of plans rather than deal with possibly not even finding something on the menu I can eat. I hate washing up, and thankfully that’s a chore I passed to my boyfriend when we moved in together. I cannot handle the soggy gross food chunks and grits and oils, it’s a sensory overload. It’s so hard to cook though, I don’t mind cooking what he wants for him; and usually I’ll just have something I like. But we don’t eat much variety as a result and I hate that he’s restricted because I can’t try new things. Vegetables? Salad? What’s that? If I eat any vegetables I can manage some corn, peas and broccoli, but not much. I used to love mashed potato, but as the years have gone on, I struggle with even that now, if the texture isn’t just right, I can’t stomach it, cannot have lumps in my mash! I think I need a chat with a doctor. Thankyou for this video.
Hmm 🤔 you are not the only one who dislikes lumps in their mashed potatoes.
and I never have airplane food because I dislike its taste and or texture if it has sharp mustard I can't have it. I really dislike certain slells and will get nausea from them, like average smells of vanilla or certain fruits.. Im always sensible to how something is cooked and how hot it is and I don't get the idea of having a cold soup like gazpacho...do I have arfid?
Hi Tatiana! I discovered myself 9 days ago that I have been suffering from ARFID my whole life. I am 53! I was wondering if you knew any chatrooms or online group support. I am struggling. I was also wondering how is your treatment going today? Very best, Jen small
Hi I know you wrote this a month ago but There are various “arfid” groups on Facebook. They are so supportive! Just type arfid into Facebook and you should fine the groups x
Hi Jen! Happy to answer your questions! Like Amy said below, there are a lot of really great Facebook groups for Arfid. I joined the one made by Felix (the hypnotherapist who helped me). It's called: Selective Eating Disorder SED / ARFID Support Group for ADULTS with ARFID. It's been a little under a year since my treatment and the results have been incredible. I didn't think anyone was going to be able to help me but somehow he did. That fear of trying new foods has completely disappeared and I've incorporated a lot of new foods into my diet and have slowly been taking an interest in cooking. I still have a long way to go but it all comes down to how much you want to push yourself. So far, I'm happy with the progress I've made
xd, the dishess thing, finally someone who gets it!!
I hope that you don't mind my asking how old were you when you received that treatment over Zoom from Felix? I found him awhile back and I am ready for my grandson to get his treatment, but Felix prefers older children. My grandson is 8 yo right now.
I was recently diagnosed with ARFID also and I have a phobia to do with eating and I don’t feel like I can overcome this.
Yeah I can't eat stuff which is semi-solids and werid texture and smell
How are you doing after meeting with Felix? R u in his facebook support group?
How did it go with Felix?
I'm 80% sure I have arfid the forgetting and sensory variety
I would just pack lunch or take food with me. No body cares.
Would love to see a follow up video!!! I also have ARFID and ours sounds very similar. I also saw Felix virtually and would love to hear how your experience with him was and the results you have seen. We can talk privately on Instagram as well! I’ll message you there!
I can’t find your Instagram or tiktok!!
Hi Cassidy! It's always comforting to find someone who can relate. I do have a follow-up, just haven't gotten around to finishing editing, but that's on me. I'll post soon! And yes, feel free to message me on IG. My new handle is @bytatianamarie :)
I have ARFID too. I was nodding my head a lot listening to you. Our life experiences seem very similar. My very first job was a subway. I had to wash the dishes. Gosh. It was so awful. Touching the wet food while trying to wash it down would make me nauseous! Even thinking about it right now made my gag reflex go!
thank you so much for sharing your experience. I was diagnosed with arfid in 2016 when I was a teen and haven't had proper treatment. Its seriously limited my life in so many ways and made dating difficult, and im afraid of it causing long term health problems. Im 23 now, diagnosed at 16, it is super embarrassing. I remember before I was diagnosed I attempted unaliving once because I thought I was the only person suffering like this and I couldn't imagine ever recovering. I still have yet to seek recovery, im honestly really scared. I think im mostly scared of failure, of never over coming this disorder. I just want a normal healthy life where I don't feel controlled by my ED, I want to be in control of what I put in my body for the purpose of living a healthy life. I feel like if I don't get treatment that works, I might die early as a result of malnutrition. It seriously is scary. Its not funny, it seriously feels sincerely debilitating for me personally.