Is This Considered Medical Neglect?
I had been advised by my physician to consult with a therapist. During this period, I hoped to address a troubling behavior: my frequent food purging. It’s an unpleasant habit that I’ve struggled with; previously, when I lived with roommates, I would vomit while showering, and now, in my current apartment, I have bags of vomit piling up on the floor. It’s quite distressing. When I finally opened up about this issue to my psychologist, a man in his forties, I was met with indifference. He didn't seem to ask any probing questions or display any genuine concern, which made me hesitate to continue the conversation. As my situation worsened, I decided to bring it up again, sharing that I had been making myself vomit and was having difficulty even walking. Yet again, I received no appropriate response. Eventually, when I inquired if he believed I still required therapy, he simply said no. This led me to feel that I was destined to continue purging indefinitely, and I consented to end our sessions. What I truly needed was someone to acknowledge that my behavior was harmful, but he wouldn’t provide that validation. In fact, he seemed rather apathetic regarding my struggles. Could this be classified as medical neglect?
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 8:30:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your experience; it sounds both distressing and frustrating. You've raised important concerns regarding your mental health and the support you've received. Let's break this down.
Main Points:
- Concerns about Your Mental Health: Your behavior of food purging is indeed harmful and indicates a serious issue that needs attention.
- Response from Your Therapist: It seems like your psychologist's response did not address your distress or validate your experience, which can be disheartening and may not meet the standards of effective mental health care.
- Feeling of Neglect: Based on your description, it feels like your needs for support and understanding went unmet.
Explanation:
Food purging can be a sign of an eating disorder or underlying emotional distress, and it's essential to take these behaviors seriously. The role of a therapist is to provide a safe space where you can express your concerns, and they should respond with empathy and appropriate guidance.
Your feelings of indifference from the psychologist might leave you feeling neglected, which is concerning because mental health treatment should be collaborative and supportive. While "medical neglect" typically refers to a lack of necessary care that harms a patient’s physical health, emotional neglect in therapy can significantly impact mental health stability.
Next Steps:
- Seek a New Therapist: Start searching for another therapist, preferably someone who specializes in eating disorders or trauma. Look for reviews or recommendations that emphasize empathy and support.
- Document Your Experience: Take notes on your struggles with purging, your feelings from the therapy experiences, and any physical or emotional symptoms you notice. This can help you articulate your concerns more clearly with a new therapist.
- Join a Support Group: Consider joining a support group focused on eating disorders or recovery. Hearing from others with similar experiences can provide comfort and validation.
- Reach Out to Trusted Individuals: Talk to a friend or family member about what you’re going through. Having support outside of therapy can make a big difference.
- Prioritize Your Well-being: Focus on self-care practices, such as gentle physical activity, journaling your feelings, and maintaining a balanced diet that feels good to you without the pressure to purge.
Please remember, you deserve to feel heard and supported in your healing journey. If things feel overwhelming, reaching out to a trusted friend or family member can be an essential step towards regaining your footing.
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