ARFID (or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is an eating disorder.
I have it and before my diagnosis I hadn’t heard of it.
I wanted to share some knowledge on this disorder because I feel it needs more recognition and understanding as it can be life threatening. ARFID is not well known or understood meaning patient treatment can be inappropriate and ineffective.
It is different for many people like most mental health disorders.
Some examples can be avoiding foods because of texture, appearance, colour, fear of choking, vomiting or other traumatic experiences.
It is more serious than picky eating.
It can lead to a variety of health issues.
Avoiding certain foods such as fruit can cause nutritional deficiencies which can lead to health issues.
ARFID isn’t a choice.
ARIFD also has nothing to do with body image.
Some people with ARFID may have “safe foods”.
“Safe foods” can be severely limited which may cause nutritional deficiencies and these “safe foods” may change or become more limited which can be distressing for the person with ARFID and the people around them.
ARFID can also effect social activity due to avoiding events where there may be food.
My personal experience with ARFID
I have been admitted to hospital three times and I’m struggling again. Eating disorders are so hard. They’re painful cold- literally blood circulation especially to my hands was bad and still is-, sad, tiring and lonely.
I get heart palpitations now and breathing issues. I could sometimes feel my heart getting noticeably slower as I lay in bed.
I should have listened and realized something was wrong all that time ago. I’ve fainted many times, I wanted everyone to treat me with food normally but people still watch me as I eat and congratulate me after a meal. I’m glad for support but this isn’t how I’ve wanted to be treated.
In winter I can avoid foods and drinks that are not at a specific temperature and I will also sometimes avoid foods that are crunchy or messy in Winter.
If you or someone you know has suspected ARFID
As I wrote before… please, please get help. It is worth a try as it can help and cause major differences.
I know it is hard to get a diagnosis of ARFID as it is not understood or well-known but don’t be ruled off, you are important and deserve to be heard.
It is important to have a formal diagnosis, however.
If you think someone you know may have this disorder please be patient with them and try to offer help in any way you can, do not force anything on them as this can be distressing.
Telling a person with ARFID to ‘just eat’ can be harmful and upsetting as it’s not that easy for someone with ARFID, it takes time and care.
Taking food you are more likely to eat to someplace or planning what you will eat in advance may be helpful in avoiding stressful situations such as when out.
Feel welcome to PM me about any of this. 
Stay strong. 
(UK helpline) Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) - Beat (beateatingdisorders.org.uk)
