I graduated from my Nutrition Program in October 2018 and am a registered dietitian, although I don't currently work in that capacity. I am afraid to seek help because of possible or perceived risk of stigma or negative impact on my career (even if I have't even gotten it off the ground yet).
I have long struggled with feelings of inadequacy, loss of interest in hobbies or leisure activities, body image issues, obsessively collecting recipes, repeatedly creating lists and menus over and over again (can take up entire days - disrupts work), difficulty concentrating, listening/understanding/retaining information even if they have just been told to me, anger issues related to a difficult relationship with family/parents...and many more.
I have not been diagnosed with any eating disorder. I have been weight cycling/dieting since 12 or 13 years old.
Possible physical manifestations: Facial eczema/dermatitis that breaks out very quickly at times of stress, light headed/fuzzy mind
I worry about possibly having chosen the field of nutrition because of an obsession/body image issues as opposed to actual passion/interest. My internships were difficult for me and I have felt inadequate ever since. I doubt myself all the time, worry about looking/acting/being perceived as unprofessional or incompetent in front of other dietitians/patients. I feel as though I may be sabotaging myself due to second-guessing, but I also seem to constantly fumble and make obvious mistakes due to information I missed or that my brain seemed to have forgotten as soon as I heard/read it...One of my preceptors during my clinical internships struggled so much to help me that he expressed concerns about my hearing.
I apologize for the information overload, but I have never asked for help before. I'm unsure if my troubles are even severe enough to warrant the attention of a mental health counselor.
Thank you for your time.
