14-year-old female with restrictive anorexia. Is hospitalization likely? Am I at risk of dying?

My BMI is 14.8 at 5’6 and 42kg. I’m not active, my blood sugar is usually around 2, and my blood pressure is low, though I’m not sure of the specific reading. It plummets when I stand, I experience irregular breathing at times, feel dizzy, and am constantly exhausted even after 12+ hours of sleep. I’m unsure if I can even recover; I just need to understand my situation. I broke down in tears having to eat a bit of chocolate just to raise my glucose levels. Is a hospital stay inevitable? Is death a possibility? My mom keeps hinting that she’s afraid to leave me alone upstairs because she worries I might pass away in my sleep.

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Hello dear. You are likely suffering from extreme malnutrition and require a doctor’s assistance to create a recovery strategy. Attempting to jump back to a normal diet for your age and height on your own could actually be fatal. Given your symptoms, you are in a very precarious state. I strongly recommend going to the emergency room immediately if you feel this drained. You need blood work to check for electrolyte imbalances that require immediate attention. You are capable of getting through this, but you need professional support to recover without further risk.

Please head to the hospital. They are equipped to support you in ways that aren’t possible at home. Your malnutrition is severe and your electrolyte levels are likely so unstable that there is a genuine risk of sudden death. Sending you love and support :heart:

Reach out to a trusted person to drive you to the ER. Recovery is possible, but it requires medical supervision and psychological support to navigate safely. Specialist dietitians can guide you on the specifics of nutrition and portion sizes. Additionally, a therapist can assist with managing food-related anxiety, guilt, and harmful behaviors. It’s a difficult journey, but seeking assistance is the vital first move. Hospitalization will depend on local facilities and the outcome of physical and mental health evaluations. However, if things don’t change, death is a real risk.

Update: I’ve been admitted to the hospital for an indefinite stay.