Struggles with Hydration
At 16, I find myself grappling with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and an eating disorder (ED). Currently, I am on a regimen that includes sertraline, depakine, and some vitamins along with iron supplements. One significant challenge I've been facing is my inability to consume enough fluids due to feelings of aversion and nausea. This has persisted for quite some time. I make efforts to drink more, yet I seldom feel a sense of thirst. Even when I notice signs of dehydration, I can only manage a couple of sips before stopping. It seems impossible for me to push past that point without feeling incredibly queasy. While I don’t end up vomiting, the act of drinking feels contrived, and it’s tough for me to swallow anything. This frustration intensifies when I have to take medications; just having them and the water in my mouth triggers the sensation of needing to vomit. Soups used to provide some relief, but now they elicit the same aversion and nausea, leaving me unable to finish even that. However, I find that eating solid foods is generally fine. I can tolerate certain flavored beverages like chocolate milk and soda better, although even those are challenging when they sit beside me untouched. Coffee is another drink within my repertoire, despite it being dehydrating. I'm currently in a mental health facility and my resources are limited, which might make this all the more important. However, I keep forgetting to communicate this issue to my doctors, unsure if it’s worth bringing up, and I definitely want to avoid the prospect of intravenous hydration. I don’t experience headaches or dizziness, and I feel generally okay, even with my daily intake being roughly half a liter amidst light to moderate activities. Yet, turn to flavored drinks as solutions feels impractical due to the constraints of my eating disorder.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 12:20:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a really tough situation regarding hydration, especially considering your current mental health challenges and treatment regimen. Managing hydration while experiencing nausea and aversion to drinking can be tricky, but there are steps you can take that may help.
Understanding Your Situation
Your body needs fluids to function well, and feeling aversion towards drinking can complicate getting enough hydration. It’s especially concerning since staying hydrated is important for both physical and mental well-being. The fact that you’re in a mental health facility means you can leverage available resources, though it can be hard to communicate these struggles.
Prioritized Next Steps
Here’s a structured approach to address your hydration concerns:
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Communicate with Your Care Team:
- Prioritize talking to your doctors or nurses about your hydration issues. It might feel daunting, but it's very important. Let them know about your nausea and how it affects your ability to drink. They can offer specific strategies or medications that might help mitigate nausea.
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Experiment with Different Textures and Temperatures:
- Try very cold or slightly warm fluids. For some people, the temperature of the drink can change their experience. Experiment with ice-cold flavored beverages, or try room temperature options to see what feels best for you.
- Consider smoothies or slushies. They often combine liquid and solid food and can be more palatable. You can make them with fruits that you can tolerate.
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Focus on Small, Frequent Sips:
- Take tiny sips throughout the day rather than trying to drink a full glass at once. This might help reduce feelings of nausea. Use a straw if that makes it easier to drink without forcing yourself.
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Opt for Foods with High Water Content:
- Incorporate foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, or oranges into your diet, as they can help with hydration without the need for drinking lots of fluids.
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Utilize Flavored Electrolyte Products:
- Look for electrolyte drinks or powders (preferably low sugar). These can sometimes be more enjoyable to drink. If available, try products marketed as "hydration aids" that you find tolerable.
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Engage in Mindful Breathing:
- Practice deep breathing before trying to drink. This can help relax your body and mind, potentially minimizing feelings of nausea.
Continuous Monitoring
- Keep track of what works and what doesn’t. A small journal may help you remember which drinks and foods you find tolerable, and you can bring this up during discussions with your care team.
Reassurance
It's totally understandable to feel frustrated, and you’re definitely not alone in facing these challenges. Your well-being is important, and taking small steps can help you feel more in control over your hydration. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help from your healthcare providers—they’re there to support you.
Remember, every little effort counts. I'm here if you have more questions or need further advice.
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