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Getting Help for a Bulimic
What is it?
Bulimia is an eating disorder that is usually found among women
and adolescent girls, but has been known to appear in the male
population. People suffering from eating disorders often exhibit
behavior patterns that include secrecy, withdrawal, and the taking
of unnecessary health risks due to a feeling that they are not worthy
of good care. The symptoms of bulimia do not necessarily have to
include vomiting, although vomiting after an eating binge is a
common sign of bulimia. A person with bulimia will sometimes
deal with their guilt over bingeing by exercising obsessively to
"burn" off the calories. Or they may fast or take laxatives for days
after eating. Many people suffering from bulimia also suffer from
anorexia and will starve themselves between binges. They might
obsessively talk about food, frequently diet, exercise compulsively
and/or eat secretly.
Bulimia-Induced Health Concerns
Often, women with bulimia suffer from low self-esteem and are
quite ashamed of their bingeing and purging patterns. As a result,
denial of the behavior and the disease is common. Bulimic women
often hide the disease remarkably well, and may go 10 - 15 years
without revealing that they have a problem. Typically, bulimics do
not seek medical advice for bulimia itself, but rather for the
damage to their bodies, including electrolyte imbalances in the
blood, ulcers, and tears in the esophagus. Bulimia, as well as
anorexia and compulsive overeating, can lead to death.
How to Help
It is difficult to help a person who is suffering from an eating
disorder without their willingness to be helped. However, given the
seriousness of the consequences of being bulimic, it is very
important to try to get help for bulimics. If the bulimic is willing to
help herself, they should seek the help of a doctor that they can feel
comfortable with. It is equally as important that they find a support
group or some other form of long-term support to help them
maintain their efforts.
What if she is not trying to help herself? Confronting a person who
is thought to have an eating disorder can be a difficult but
life-saving move. It is a good idea to present the person with some
literature about treatment options and hot lines in your area. This
literature can be obtained from your doctor, county health
department, or school nurse. Community hotlines, support groups,
and mental health clinics are also good resources to be aware of.
Recruit other family members in your efforts. This is essential if you
are not yet an adult yourself. Get an older, responsible family
member involved.
Presenting her with the information you have gathered about
support groups and treatment will let her know that you have taken
the time to do some research on what she is struggling with, and it
will allow her to look over the materials during a less frightening or
confrontational moment. It is important that you express your
concern for her well being and your willingness to listen, rather than
a judgement of her behavior as sick or abnormal. This can make
her feel that she is able to come to you in the future when and if she
is ready, rather than feeling threatened.
Anyone who confronts someone with an eating disorder should be
prepared for that person's denial and resistance. Eating disorders
are frequently based in a person's need to control and avoid their
stress and emotional needs. For this reason someone who wishes
to help may be met with complete dismissal. Unfortunately the
person with the eating disorder must in the end make the decision
for him or herself, but knowing that she has support and
encouragement can be of enormous help.
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