Trigger warning: this article discusses a clinical eating disorder.
Bulimia or bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder. This is diagnosed when an individual is caught in a constant loop of eating large quantities of food (bingeing), and then compensating by self-induced vomiting, fasting, or exercising excessively (purging). During a binge, people with bulimia often do not feel in control of what they are eating. Hence, it is easy to confuse this with binge eating disorder. However, it is incorrect to confuse the two with each other because binge eating is driven by emotion. Individuals with bulimia place a strong importance on their weight or shape and tend to see themselves differently.
Eating disorders such as bulimia are extremely severe mental health issues as they not only impact you physically but mentally as well. However, eating disorders are also not as recognized as other mental health disorders.
Symptoms of Bulimia
Bulimia can be identified with a series of symptoms –
- An individual with bulimia may experience changes in mood and feelings before noticing physical change.
- Having secretive behavior around food due to feeling self-conscious about eating around others.
- Irritability and mood swings, feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety – especially after a binge.
- Individuals with bulimia may also experience symptoms such as tiredness, feeling bloated, constipation, abdominal pain, irregular periods, or swelling of the hands and feet.
- Feeling a loss of control during bingeing.
- Using dietary supplements or herbal products excessively for weight loss.
If the symptoms do not match the criteria – for example, if the binge/purge cycles do not happen as often as may be expected – they might be diagnosed with OSFED (other specified feeding or eating disorder). This is a serious eating disorder, and it is just as important that people suffering with it get treatment as quickly as possible.
When to See a Doctor
Bulimia can affect anyone of any age, though it often develops during adolescence or early adulthood. It is also possible for someone to move between diagnoses if their symptoms change – there is often a lot of overlap between different eating disorders. Bulimia may develop from another eating disorder.
It is extremely important to seek medical help as soon as possible because, if left untreated, bulimia can have severe impacts on health.
Talking to a health professional is essential. Or, if you do not feel comfortable doing so, then confiding in a loved one is a viable option as they can guide you towards the first steps in getting successful treatment.
Treatment for Bulimia
- Therapy – recommended as part of the treatment for bulimia in order to tackle the underlying thoughts and feelings that cause the illness and to encourage healthier ways of coping.
- Evidence-based self-help – involves some of the same techniques you would learn in face-to-face therapy. Ideally,this will be with support and encouragement from your healthcare team.
- Support groups – talking to others going through similar experiences can be useful to both sufferers and their families throughout treatment and in sustaining recovery.
There are many different reasons that someone may develop bulimia, and many factors that can contribute to its development. It is important to remember that eating disorders are often not about food itself, and treatment should address the underlying thoughts and feelings that cause the behaviour.
It is also important to remember that you are never alone in your struggle. So, always remember that it is completely acceptable and encouraged to seek help!