Eating Disorders

» TweetyBird28 - Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items

Hello,everyone. this is an uncomfortable subject for me to deal with. I have told no one else of this issue, however I am addicted to eating mattress foam. You know the eggcrate mattress foam that you put on your bed? I can't understand my obsession with eating this, but I crave it every day. I will even go out and purchase more mattress foam just to support my unusual habbit. I usually find that do this the most when I am upset or nervous about something. Not to mention I am Bipolar on top of that!! Does anyone have any advice on this subject? I am in desperate need of help, for I am afraid of the adverse affects it may be having on my body. Sorry for the long post.

-- posted by TweetyBird28

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» Lori Henry - Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items

In response to Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items posted by TweetyBird28:

Thanks for visiting. I have written an article on Pica, which is a type of eating disorder where individuals eat items that are not food. You can view it here.

Have you ever thought of talking to a professional about this behavior? Do you see anyone for your Bipolar that could also help you with this?

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» TweetyBird28 - Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items

In response to Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items posted by lorihenry:

Yes, I do in fact see a therapist for my issues regarding Bipolar disorder, however, I do not mention this problem of eating mattress foam to him due to embarrassment issues. What long term affects do you think that consuming mattress foam can have on my body? On my digestive tract? I seem to be going to the bathroom okay(bowel movement), but I am wondering about long term effects on my body. However, I cannot stop eating this substance no matter how much I try. Any advice?

-- posted by TweetyBird28

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» Lori Henry - Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items

In response to Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items posted by TweetyBird28:

I would suggest going to see your Doctor for a physical. You can decide whether to tell him/her or not about the behavior, but mention that you just want to make sure things are okay and functioning properly.

Long term affects of eating non-food items such as mattress foam can be considerable. I don't want to scare you, but your body is being put under a lot of stress by digesting these items. Seeing a Doctor soon would be the first thing to do. Perhaps you could breach the subject with your present therapist in the vein that you are craving a non-food item and feeling embarrassed about it. Perhaps you can eventually get to a place where this full important conversation can happen.

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» Earth81 - Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items

In response to Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items posted by TweetyBird28:

Greetings,

About a month ago, my family and I discovered that my cousin has this problem as well. She eats the foam out of the couches. The big coincidence here is that she asked me to look it up and print out what I found and I came across this page. The eating disorder is called Pica. If you google it along with 'eating foam' you will find many stories about people in your same position. They say that there isn't a cure for it but that it does happen more frequently with people who have mental disorders. It also happens with pregnant women. I would let your therapist know about it. From what I have read, it says that one reason for having the disorder is to try and fill a space in your life. It could be worse though. There are cases of pica where people eat broken glass, nails and wire. So, small bit of advice (though I am sure your therapist will have more for you), ask yourself how the foam feels. What does it represent to you. Then ask yourself if maybe you are lacking that in your current life. It never occured to me that this was an actual eating disorder or that it would be known about in the medical community but it is. I am sure your therapist is familiar with it.

I hope you come to terms with this soon.

Brightest Blessings,

Mel*

-- posted by Earth81

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» Lori Henry - Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items

In response to Having Wierd Cravings For Non-Food Items posted by Earth81:

Thank you so much for giving your insight and experience with this, Mel.

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