ARFID: How to Deal With the Mental and Physical Health Risks

Struggling with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is no joke. I’ve been working with teens and adults for years in San Diego who have ARFID. My heart goes out to them. Whether you live in sunny San Diego or elsewhere in California, Texas, Florida, and other states or countries, having ARFID means that others misunderstand you, and medical providers frequently misdiagnose you. It’s so isolating. You may have a hard time keeping on weight. You feel uncomfortable going to restaurants and eating in front of other people. Friends and family often say to you “just eat” or ask, “Why can’t you get over it? It’s just food.” They don’t understand that food isn’t “just food” to you. It’s so much more.