Bulimia is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder. People who suffer from it can eat a large amount of food and try to compensate for this "binge" by getting rid of the food later. If you are bulimic, it is important that you see a doctor right away. The longer you wait, the more damage you do to your body, as well as the fact that it becomes increasingly difficult to heal. Learn the techniques to manage and overcome this disorder which can lead to death.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Knowing the Danger of Bulimia
Step 1. Find out about the disease
The only way to truly understand the danger is to get more information about this particular disorder. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by the ingestion of excessive amounts of food (sometimes within a short time) which is then compensated for by vomiting or taking laxatives to get rid of the excessive calories. There are two types of bulimia nervosa:
- The one with purgative ducts induces the patient to vomit or abuse laxatives, enemas and diuretics to compensate for the binge.
- Non-purgative bulimia involves the use of other tactics to avoid weight gain, such as a restrictive diet, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Step 2. Know the risk factors
If you have bulimia nervosa, you probably have some characteristics, mental patterns, or personal history that make you more susceptible to the disease. Common risk factors include:
- Being a woman;
- Being a teenager or a young adult
- Having a family history of eating disorders
- Wanting to respect the social stereotypes of thinness transmitted by the media;
- Living with emotional or psychological problems such as low self-esteem, low consideration of your body, anxiety, chronic stress or having faced a traumatic event;
- Constantly being pressured by others to perform well in athletics, dance or to be perfect models.
Step 3. Learn to recognize the symptoms
Those who suffer from bulimia, regardless of whether it is the purgative or non-purgative type, have a number of very specific symptoms. If you, a family member or any close friend experience the following symptoms or the situations described here occur, it means that you suffer from this disorder:
- Losing control at the table;
- Be reserved about your eating habits;
- Alternating phases of fasting with large binges;
- Food disappears from the pantry;
- Eating huge quantities of food, without noticing weight changes;
- Go to the bathroom after eating to eliminate food
- Get plenty of exercise
- Take laxatives, diet pills, enemas, or diuretics
- Have frequent weight fluctuations
- Swollen cheeks from repeated vomiting
- Being overweight or with an average weight;
- Obvious stains on the teeth, due to the passage of stomach acids during vomiting.
Step 4. Be aware that the disease can be deadly
It can cause many dangerous consequences. Continuing to use purgatives can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, resulting in an irregular heartbeat, heart failure and even death. Vomiting regularly can also cause the esophagus to rupture.
- Some people use ipecac syrup to induce vomiting, but this product builds up in the body and can cause cardiac arrest or even death.
- In addition to the physical consequences associated with bulimia, those affected also run a high risk of suffering from psychological problems, such as alcohol and other substance abuse, as well as experiencing suicidal tendencies.
Method 2 of 4: Access Medical Care
Step 1. Recognize that you need help
The first step in dealing with bulimia is to accept the fact that you have a serious problem that you cannot overcome on your own. You may really think you are able to control your weight or the food you eat, and you may even feel happy. However, the only way to improve the situation is to admit that you have an unhealthy relationship with food and your body. You have to open your eyes and be willing to heal.
Step 2. Contact your doctor
To begin the recovery process, you need to be examined by a professional. He will subject you to a thorough examination, ask you to take a blood test to establish the damage suffered by the body. It can also help you and your loved ones determine the treatments needed to overcome the disease.
Step 3. See an eating disorder specialist
The family doctor is generally unable to treat bulimia alone. After the initial exams, he will likely send you to a specialized center, where staff who have all the necessary knowledge to treat eating disorders work. It could be a therapist, a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Step 4. Follow the therapies
An effective treatment plan focuses on identifying and avoiding triggers, managing stress, building a better body image, and addressing any psychological or emotional issues that induce bulimia.
Studies have found that cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches to manage this disorder. The patient works with the therapist to change incorrect mental patterns about appearance and body, developing a healthier relationship with food. Finding a cognitive-behavioral therapist who specializes in eating disorders is the best solution to heal
Step 5. Contact a nutritionist expert
Another option for overcoming the disease is to consult a qualified dietician. This professional figure helps you determine the amount of calories and nutrients you should take each day and works with you to set up healthier eating behaviors.
Step 6. Join a support group
A common complaint of many people battling an eating disorder such as bulimia is that they have no one who can understand their situation. If you also feel the same discomfort, you may find comfort by joining some local group that supports those who, like you, suffer from this eating disorder.
Your parents or other loved ones can also benefit from family support meetings. During these meetings, participants can discuss and learn how to better care for the patient, as well as promote healing
Method 3 of 4: Manage the Symptoms
Step 1. Share your story
Often those with eating disorders do not talk about it with the people around them. Breaking this habit means talking to someone about what you think, feel and do every day. Find a person you trust, who can listen to you without judging, who offers you support, and possibly someone you need to be accountable to.
Step 2. Monitor your nutrition from a nutritional standpoint
To recover from bulimia it is important to visit a dietician on time and work at home to make sure you are getting all the necessary nutrients. Learning to listen to the body to recognize true hunger from nervous or emotional hunger, such as that triggered by loneliness or boredom, is a fundamental aspect of nutritional therapy to treat this disorder. Your dietician can also help you choose the right foods to satisfy hunger and prevent the need to binge.
Step 3. Learn alternative strategies for managing the disorder
Think of your bulimia management abilities like a toolbox or an arsenal: the more "ammunition" or "tools" you put into the container, the more "equipped" you will be to fight the disease. Work with your therapist and dietician to find valid strategies for dealing with the problem. Here are some suggestions:
- Engage in a hobby or passion to build self-esteem
- Call a friend when you are faced with something that triggers a craving for food;
- Talk to a friend through an online support group;
- Prepare a list of positive affirmations to read aloud;
- Go for a walk or play with your pet;
- Start a gratitude journal;
- Read a book;
- Get a massage;
- Exercise if it is appropriate for the treatment plan you are following.
Step 4. Avoid triggers
When you join a therapeutic and support group, you are likely to better recognize the mechanisms that trigger the vicious cycle of bulimia. Once you have identified these factors, you need to stay away from them and avoid them as much as possible.
You may need to throw the scales off, get rid of fashion or beauty magazines, unsubscribe from pro-mia sites or forums, and spend less time with friends or family who regularly despise their bodies or are obsessed with dieting
Method 4 of 4: Develop a Positive Body Image
Step 1. Exercise to improve mood
Regular exercise offers many benefits, such as better functioning of the immune system and cognitive functions, greater attention and concentration, reduction of stress, strengthening of self-esteem and even improved mood. Some research has found that a healthy amount of exercise can offer many benefits to those who want to heal from eating disorders or even prevent them.
Remember to discuss with the medical team you contacted before starting a training routine. For non-purgative bulimia sufferers, exercise may not be recommended if it is used to burn calories accumulated during a binge. Work with doctors to determine if physical activity is a good option for you
Step 2. Change your mental approach to diet and weight
The two main factors contributing to bulimia nervosa are dysfunctional thoughts about the body and a negative relationship with food. If you want to recover from the disease, it is essential to change and overcome this "mindset". Instead of falling into these negative thoughts, try to change your reactions and be more indulgent with yourself, as you would be with a friend. By changing the way you respond to a stimulus or thought, you can begin to see yourself with greater compassion. The most common mental errors that plague individuals suffering from eating disorders are:
- Jumping to conclusions: "Today was hard, I will never get over the disease." A pessimistic view can destroy any progress you are making. You should change your approach by thinking, "Today was tough, but I did it. I only have to go through one day at a time."
- Seeing everything black or white (dichotomous thinking): "I ate junk food today. I'm a total failure." This way of thinking and believing that things are only completely right or completely wrong can quickly lead you to give in to a binge if you're not careful. Try a different approach, for example: "I ate junk food today, but that's okay. Sometimes I can eat and enjoy these dishes, while respecting a healthy diet. I'll have a healthy meal tonight for dinner."
- Personalize: "My friends don't want to go out with me because I'm too health conscious." It is wrong to interpret the behaviors of others and take them personally. Your friends may simply have other commitments or want to give you more space for you to heal. If you miss them, contact them and share your feelings with them.
- Over-generalizing: "I always need help." Applying a negative pattern in your life is counterproductive. You can probably do a lot of things without help. Try now.
- Avoid repeating "I must" and "I should" or "I could". For example, stop telling yourself that you need to be the best at training today. This kind of rigid thinking is irrational and limiting. Even if you can't be the absolute best, it doesn't mean that your performance isn't great anyway.
Step 3. Restore a sense of self-worth not associated with the body
The time has come to review the belief that your person's worth is associated with your body's appearance, shape, or weight. Stop getting depressed and develop self-esteem related to other characteristics.
- Dig deep inside yourself and find other aspects that are not about the body or the aesthetics you like about yourself. Make a list of your best qualities. For example, you can say things like "I'm smart", "I'm a fast runner" or even "I'm a good friend".
- If you have trouble coming up with thoughts or ideas, ask your best friend or family member to help you. Ask him to find some things he likes about you that aren't about physical appearance.
Step 4. Focus on self-compassion
For the past few weeks, months, or years, you have been being unkind to yourself. Replace this negative approach with a lot of compassion and kindness towards yourself.
Be loving with yourself. Watch your favorite movie or read a book you like. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Be kind to your body by doing a massage, facial, or manicure. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and that fit your silhouette; don't hide under your clothes. Be loving and gentle with your own person and treat yourself as you would your best friend
Advice
- Seek medical advice on healthy nutrition instead of bingeing on an exaggerated amount of food.
- Be kind to yourself and do things that help calm your mind and body.
