Purging bulimia involves self-induced vomiting or abusing laxatives, enemas, and diuretics to compensate for a binge. Non-purging bulimia involves the use of other tactics to prevent weight gain such as restrictive dieting, fasting, or exercising excessively.
Being female Being an adolescent or young adult Having a family history of eating disorders Falling into societal ideals of thinness perpetuated through the media Dealing with psychological or emotional issues, such as poor self-esteem, poor body image, anxiety, or chronic stress; or dealing with a traumatic event Being consistently pressured by others to perform or be perfect as in athletes, dancers, or models
Having a lack of control when it comes to eating Being secretive about your eating habits Switching back and forth between eating too much and fasting Noticing food disappearing Eating enormous amounts of foods without seeing changes in body size Going to the restroom after meals to purge Exercising a great deal Taking laxatives, diet pills, enemas, or diuretics Experiencing frequent weight fluctuations Demonstrating chipmunk cheeks due to vomiting repeatedly Being overweight or average weight Demonstrating discolorations on teeth from throwing up stomach acids
Some people with bulimia use ipecac syrup to cause vomiting. This syrup can pool up in the body, causing cardiac arrest, or even death. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Beyond the physical risks associated with bulimia, those who suffer from eating disorders are also at high risk of psychological problems, such as alcohol and substance abuse as well as suicide. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Research has shown cognitive behavioral therapy to be one of the most effective treatment approaches for bulimia. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source In this type of therapy, patients work with the therapist to challenge unrealistic thought patterns about their appearance and bodies and develop healthier relationships with food. [13] X Research source Find a cognitive behavioral therapist specializing in eating disorders for the best chance at recovery.
Your parents or other loved ones may also benefit from taking part in a support group for families. In these meetings, participants may discuss and learn how to care for you better and foster a successful recovery.
Get involved with a hobby or passion to boost your self-esteem Phone a friend when faced with a trigger Connect with a friend from an online support group Make a list of positive affirmation to read aloud Walk or play with your pet Start a gratitude journal Read a book Get a massage Exercise, if appropriate for your treatment plan
You might need to throw away your scale, toss out fashion or beauty magazines, unsubscribe from pro-mia websites or forums, and spend less time with friends or family members who regularly bad-mouth their bodies or obsess about dieting.
Be sure to talk to your treatment team before starting an exercise regimen. For the non-purging type of bulimia, exercise may be inadvisable if it is used to work off post-binge calories. Work with your doctors to determine if exercise is a good choice for you. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Jumping to conclusions: “Today was hard; I will never overcome this eating disorder. " Expecting the worse can be destructive to all the positive changes you are making. Instead say something like this “Today was hard, but I got through. I only need to take it one day at a time. " Black and white thinking: “I ate junk food today. I’m a total failure. " Thinking in extremes and believing that things are either completely right or wrong can quickly prompt a binge, if you’re not careful. Instead, try telling yourself, “I ate junk food today, but that’s okay. I can enjoy junk food once in a while and still eat healthfully. I will have a healthy dinner tonight. ” Personalization: “My friends don’t want to hang out with me anymore because I’m too health-conscious. " Reading into others’ behavior and taking it personally is unfair to them. Your friends may just be busy or want to give you space to heal. If you miss them, reach out and say so. Overgeneralization: “I always need help. " Applying a negative pattern to your life is self-defeating. You can probably come up with tons of things you can do with out help. Try that now. Shoulds, coulds, woulds, musts, have tos: “I have to be the one with the best form in practice today. " Such rigid thinking is irrational and limiting. Even if you do not have the best form, it does not discount that your form is still great.
Dig deep and look for other non-body or appearance related things that you like about yourself. List out your very best qualities. For example, you might say because “I am smart” or “I am a fast-runner” or “I am a good friend”. If you have trouble thinking of ideas, enlist your best friends or close family to help. Ask them to give you a few things they like about you that are unrelated to appearance.
Give yourself a hug. Watch your favorite movie or read your favorite book. Swap out negative self-talk with positive statements about yourself. Be nice to your body by getting a massage, a facial, or a manicure. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and that fit you - don’t hide beneath your clothing. Be gentle and nurturing by treating yourself as you would your best friend.
