Overcoming bulimia goes beyond just stopping the binge and purge cycle, because it's a serious psychological condition. Here are treatment tips for this eating disorder.
Overcoming bulimia and binge eating may be one of the hardest things you'll ever do; it's as difficult as overcoming any addiction. Counseling is the safest, healthiest treatment for eating disorders - or any psychological condition.
To help you overcome bulimia and the binge and purge cycle, here is a list of unhealthy consequences related to this eating disorder. Plus, below are several cognitive-behavioral tips that could be extremely helpful. Overcoming bulimia gets easier every day (but some days will be worse than others!). Learning to resist the compulsion to binge and purge is one aspect of overcoming bulimia.
Unhealthy Consequences of Bulimia
It's hard on your stomach, heart, teeth, and brain.
Changes your view of food from delicious fuel to something that has to be purged.
Gives you a bulimia hangover.
Lowers your self-image.
Gives you a bad, unhealthy secret.
Disguises who you really are.
Feelings of guilt, regret, or shame after.
Waste of food.
Waste of money.
Feelings of sadness, self-hatred, self-pity.
Lowers self-esteem.
Indicates you're out of control.
Feelings of powerlessness and addiction.
Waste of time, energy, and creativity.
Add your own bad things about binging and purging! This will help you overcome bulimia.
A tip for overcoming bulimia: When you're struggling with the compulsion to binge and purge, review this list of unhealthy consequences of bulimia. This can be a simple, effective treatment for this eating disorder.
Reasons to Treat Bulimia
You'll have a healthier mind.
Happier body!
Feelings of peace, achievement, and pride.
Higher self-esteem.
Higher self-image.
No more wasting food and money.
Sense of accomplishment.
Feelings of self-love.
No secrets to hide.
No more lies to tell
Stronger heart.
More authenticity. The real you can shine through!
More time to be productive at home or work.
No more obsessing over food.
Positive feelings of strength and power.
No feelings of being out of control.
More self-awareness.
More time to do things you love.
Add your own good things about overcoming bulimia!
When you're overcoming bulimia, it'll help to review this list of reasons to stop the binge and purge cycle regularly. Or, read this list when the compulsion to binge and purge hits.
To Overcome Bulimia, Find a Distraction
When you're struggling with the compulsion or know it'll hit at a certain time, one key to overcoming bulimia is to be prepared. Plan a walk, exercise class, or bubble bath. Call a friend, work in the yard, email your relatives. Effectively treating this eating disorder often involves distraction.
To Overcome Bulimia, Eliminate "Purge-y" Foods
"Purge-y" foods are those that are easy to binge and purge. When you're overcoming bulimia, make sure you don't have those easy-to-purge foods in the house. If it's someone else's food, picture yourself confessing that you ate all their food (binged) and threw it up (purged). The thought of having to do this may help you overcome this eating disorder!
To Overcome Bulimia, Seek Help
Finding a counselor who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders can help you successfully overcome the compulsion to binge and purge. Struggling alone with any psychological condition isn't the most effective way to get healthy.
Related Articles
If you found Overcoming Bulimia and Binge Eating helpful, try:
The copyright of the article Overcoming Bulimia and Binge Eating in Cognitive Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish Overcoming Bulimia and Binge Eating in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
When i would puke i would have to hide and do the craziest stuff to lie
about it. I had to lie and that would make me feel more guilty and then i
would have to puke more. I have to say i hated myself . I am still am
trying to get better. If anybody has any kind of eating disorder get help.
hayley
Jan 2, 2009 8:48 AM
Guest :
The thought of not having that 'out' anymore makes me panic. I love to
eat, it's one of the few things that makes me feel really really good. I
love the taste, feel, and smell of the food, and the warmth and fullness
that comes with eating. I actually feel cold when I'm not eating or
drinking something. I know that I CAN'T eat all that I want and keep
it down or I will gain tons...but the thought of not being able to enjoy
food is too depressing. Eating in moderation doesn't work for me. I
got up this morning feeling very confused. I SHOULD eat something balanced
and healthful, but I WANT something tasty, satisfying, sweet and above all,
PLENTIFUL. I can fast for days on just black coffee and water, but I cannot
eat a small amount and feel satisfied.
Jan 5, 2009 11:22 AM
Guest :
I wish FEAR of all the consequences were enough to make me stop but that is
not the case. I can totally relate to the comment posted on Jan 2nd, 09.
THANK YOU for your honesty! I am now 15 months sober and very active in the
12 step fellowship. However one character defect that owns me right now is
my ED (bulimia). It is the worse it has ever been, not only purging after
every binge but also using laxatives in VERY large amounts. Intellectually
I know my body is dying & my soul is aching. I know how to stop, what
to do, BUT I can't. I do not want to give this part of my illness up. It is
mine . . . maybe someday I will be free from it, but just not today.
I just got honest with my sponsor about ED, and since some magical
things have been happening. I have taken a few actions, her suggestions,
and that is all I can do right now. I don't know when the obsession of food
will be removed, or removed enough for me to have some freedom. I have HOPE
though.
Just want to thank the guest for posting your comment
(Jan 2, 2009 8:48 AM) again. Your honesty shows so much courage, and I wish
you well on your journey and battle with this baffling disorder. You are
not alone.
Crhistina.
Jan 5, 2009 11:23 AM
Guest :
I wish FEAR of all the consequences were enough to make me stop but that is
not the case. I can totally relate to the comment posted on Jan 2nd, 09.
THANK YOU for your honesty! I am now 15 months sober and very active in the
12 step fellowship. However one character defect that owns me right now is
my ED (bulimia). It is the worse it has ever been, not only purging after
every binge but also using laxatives in VERY large amounts. Intellectually
I know my body is dying & my soul is aching. I know how to stop, what
to do, BUT I can't. I do not want to give this part of my illness up. It is
mine . . . maybe someday I will be free from it, but just not today.
I just got honest with my sponsor about ED, and since some magical
things have been happening. I have taken a few actions, her suggestions,
and that is all I can do right now. I don't know when the obsession of food
will be removed, or removed enough for me to have some freedom. I have HOPE
though.
Just want to thank the guest for posting your comment
(Jan 2, 2009 8:48 AM) again. Your honesty shows so much courage, and I wish
you well on your journey and battle with this baffling disorder. You are
not alone.
Crhistina.
Jan 7, 2009 9:10 AM
Guest :
I hate to say I'm glad to see so many other people on here experiencing an
ED, but it's comforting to know that I'm not the only one feeling this way.
Everyday I get up and promise myself I will not do it today and that it's a
new day. Yet, I find myself binging and can't deal with the feeling and
have to get rid of it. I just made an appointment to see a counselor on
Tuesday, I"m really hoping this is the help I need. This is killing my
body- everyday I wake up with a sore throat, back pains, and a headache,
yet i don't know how to stop.
Jan 15, 2009 12:01 AM
Guest :
As i am reading this i am so disgusted with myself. i want to battle this,
i want to be able to enjoy a meal, not hoard it and then throw it all up
and then laxatives or diuretics in the case that i may have
"missed" something. I get so frustrated with myself, and i can go
a couple days and i think maybe i have beat this, i dont need anyones help.
and then i find myself doing it again, especially at night so i can hide it
from my family. I guess i havethe same story everyone does, it is just hard
and i guess being able to put it in words helps, for now at least. I guess
it is up to me to be brave enough to get help, its just a matter of facing
my demons and seeking help.
Jan 26, 2009 11:51 PM
Guest :
I have been bulimic for 9 year. When it started I thought I could do it for
a few months, get to looking really good, and then quit. I cant belive that
its now 9 years later and i am still doing it. i hide, i lie, i spend
hundreds and hundreds of dollars on unneeded food, when i dont have that
much money to begin with. i think i am too skinny, but i love food too much
to only eat what i need. so i end up getting rid of almost evyerhitng. I
cant afford therapy, and i dont think it would really work. i think the
only thing that would work would be to go an inpatient. but i dont have the
time or the money. ive never written on these kind of sites before, but
reading it kind of comforts me to see that other people have my problem
I feel like i have it worse than any of the comments i have ever
read. i purge more then 10 times every single day. every single day for the
past 9 years. In the beginning it was slower, but for the past 6 years it
has been eery single day. except maybe a total of 10 days in the past 6
years. i need help. i am too skinny. i am unhappy. i am lonely, i hide, id
rather eat then do anything else.
Does anyone have any advice
for me
Jan 28, 2009 4:22 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
My advice is to get help immediately! Talk to your family doctor, a
counselor, a psychologist -- anyone who can lead you to an eating disorders
specialist.
We can't always overcome bulimia on our own --
sometimes we need help.
It's time for you to reach out and let
someone help you overcome the bulimia monster!
Jan 29, 2009 6:01 PM
Guest :
I became bulimic as a teen in 1986. It's now 2009 and am still this way.
I tried counseling and changing my thought process but it's difficult.
Ended up with a heart murmur, constant headaches and each day is a battle.
I weigh 145 pounds at five foot six. I see food as the enemy, not as
sustinance. I am 40 years old and feel that overcoming this is next to
impossible.
Feb 1, 2009 5:40 PM
Guest :
What it this hard for everyone to writes something as it was for me? I have
been bulimic for one year and started because I thought that I ate too much
to be a model. I love food and want to eat it all the time. Of course
before I know it I get really full and know that there is a way to escape
the guilt. Now I have quit that profession because I thought it would help
me over come my problem. It hasn't. At first I thought that I would be able
to let go of wanting to be skinny and caring what I ate if I stopped
working. I thought that I only bought copious amounts of junk food with the
aim of throwing it up because I denied myself "treats," however
even when I allowed myself the foods I wanted I always want more and end up
thinking "its ok to eat this because I will throw it up." I hate
what I do because it alienates me from my friends and family. Its hard
because feeding yourself should be easy, its one of our most basic
instincts, but its one of the most difficult things that I have to do now.
I keep thinking I am better, only to have a relapse. I do agree with other
guests on this site, the first step is seeking help, but I just can't help
but hope that it will not have to come to that and that I am strong enough
to help myself.... mmm well obviously not.
Feb 15, 2009 3:31 AM
Guest :
I was very overweight and borderline obese then I started low carb dieting
and now I weigh 115 lbs. and I am no longer overweight or obese. I also
changed the food that I eat. I eat healthier. Recently, though I got really
bad food cravings for junk food so I went to the store and bought $25 worth
of junk food and ate all of it. Then I felt really guilty and went to the
bathroom to throw it all up. It hurt me a lot. My throat got sore and my
hands got red and cut. now it is became a habit for me to eat not like i
did before when I was dieting. I binge now and then feal disgusting and
vomit all the food out. I know I have a problem but I dont know how to
stop. I constantly weigh myself to make sure I dont gain any weight. I just
want to eat regular but I worry about carbs and calories from the food i
eat. I want to stay what I weigh now but be able to live my life. I dont
feel like I am 'living' and eating normal. I am binging and purging or
constantly worrying about the carbs and cals of my food. That is no way to
live. I just want to eat for weight maintance but I dont know how. I have a
problem overeating and i cant control myself when I eat because I cant
stop. I wish i could just eat regular and exercise more or dance or run
rather then stick my hand down my throat to vomit. I just started this bad
habit a few weeks ago but I know this is bulimia and I know I have a
problem. I feel guilty about lying to my son. I know he hears me in the
bathroom vommiting. He sees me eating excessive amounts of food. I dont
know if he knows what I am suffering from. But I dont want to be a bad
example. Hopefully I will have the courage to overcome this problem before
it gets worse and I have to get professional help. I know for one thing I
worry about my heart. Bulimia can make you have a heart attack or get other
heart problems. I also had a few years of getting my teath nice with braces
and other dental work for me to throw that down the drain because bulimia
makes your teath rot and I dont want my teath to rot. I am going to try to
stop and I hope you all who suffer like me will also try to stop, or get
help to end our problem so that we can actually 'live' our lives.
Mar 3, 2009 9:59 PM
Guest :
I have been suffering form bulimia for 14 years. I have seen several
counselors and have had times when it was not a problem to me, but if
anything went crazy in my life or if I looked in the mirror and did not
like what I saw I started up again. At my worst times I also started
getting high on anything that I could because it took me away from the
pains that I felt in my life. Then one day I overdosed on medication and
was ready to just go to sleep, when something hit me and I realized that
life was worth living. I was able to get to the emergency room and spent a
good amount of time their cleaning up my system. Then I met with a
counselor and did for quite some time. At this time in my life I knew I had
to change and I had the desire to change I did not want my life to be
controlled by bulimia. It really does control you, and somehow you have to
regain control. The way I gained control over it was by finding something
worth living for, that happened to be my little sister. So some advice I
have for you is to find something worth living for and I mean truly
living-that does not mean being depressed and having your life controlled
by food and bulimia. I know what it is like to look death in the face and
each day you throw up you are putting yourself in danger of that being your
last day. Be strong I know you can all get over bulimia, I know this
because I have been able to get over it, and trust me life does get better.
Mar 15, 2009 9:32 PM
Guest :
Hi everyone. I have been reading everyone's comments nd it's amazin to
realise I'm not alone. It is like this massive secret I hide from my family
members, boyfriend, the people i serve at work... everyone. I know
its hard to get help, and I have been battling eating disorders fo years,
bulimia set in in the past year. Seeing counsellors under government run
initiatives is the best thing i ever did. I am not rich at all, so I have
started another gov. run initiative to see a psychologist who specialises
in eating disorders, which I have found more helpful than prior
counsellors.
This article above is so true! And really helpful.
I consider myselfweak when using distraction or A psychologist to help me
through, but why not?! As this article rights, disraction is the key. Not
thinking abut body image or anything but keeping oneself busy with things
you really want to do. Force yourself into working somewhere you're not
alone, where you're kept busy. Do things you enjoy- lately mine is
researching into my desire for new career path. Also research into women
you love and admire. Mine atm is Jen Hawkin. She is active and she eats.
I have also found that planning a meal pattern (sim to jen's,
that i am happy with, and that is comfortably filling- fillup on fruit and
veg!) and shopping according to a list at the supermarket, has really
helped. My desire to purge often sets in when iam hungry. If your body
doesn't feel physically hungry but is satisfied then you will have the
capacity to focus on doing something fun and beautiful (like reading or
bike riding etc), instead of hurting yourself. I fins finishing lunch and
dinner with the same thing that i love (tea and a piece of fruit) really
helps me to close th meal and continue in life satisfied.
But
dont get me wrong, I am battling, but you must remain strong. You must
believe in hope. I have nails that have completely separated from their
nail bed due to my disorder. I cover them with polish, ashamed. I have had
doctors sternly look me in the eyes, telling me I have a tear at the top of
my stomach and that if I continue, my tooth enamel will turn my teeth
brow-yellow, my entire digestive system will f* up... and the tiredness
after it all is not worth it. Would ypou agree that it just becomes like a
habit? We are put on this earth with others, so I believe we have a right
to talk to others (a professional etc) regarding it. We only have one life,
may as well use it ;) xox
Apr 21, 2009 9:49 PM
Guest :
Wow! I have been going through here reading everyone's comments and it is
very comforting to know a lot of you are going through the same things i am
and experiencing the same feelings.
I first started binging and
puking when i was around 16. I was in trouble a lot so my parents never let
me leave. I couldn't smoke or drink so i turned to food to comfort myself
and help me overcome my addictions. Food had already been a life long
comfort to me. I have been overweight most of my life.
But after
i got pregnant with my daughter at 17 it stopped for a long time. After i
had her i went on a healthy diet losing over 60 lbs (and i had only gained
35 when i was pregnant with her). i ate 1200 calories a day and exercised
everyday. i had such good self control then. i dont know what happened.
Over about the past 9 months it has gotten the worst my bulimia has
gotten the worst its ever been. i binge and purge nearly every day. im
wasting tons of money. i am always tired because im up late puking. i dont
know what to do to stop. ive put 20 lbs of my weight back on. and i am
terrified of putting it all back on again. i feel so helpless and out of
control.
i really want to overcome this, but i know its going
to be difficult. i already feel like a failure every time i binge. and i
can't afford therapy.
Reading these comments has helped today
tho. im hoping i can eventually get over this awful thing.
May 1, 2009 9:14 PM
Guest :
I've been reading all the comments and I have to say I can really relate
with all of them. In a way you think you don't really have a problem and
when you decide you want to quit you can. I've came to realize that is not
true. I have been doing this for about 10 years now and it is really sad
because I can't look back at my life and remember a time when I was truley
happy or could eat and not worry about gaining weight. My thoughts are
consumed with food and staying thin. I think my biggest fear is gaining
weight. I even shy away from events with my family, because I know I must
get home and throw up. I can't wait till the day when I can just feel like
a normal person again.
May 3, 2009 2:32 PM
Guest :
Im actually stunned....i've finally found people that are me..i've hated
myself for as long as i can remember....i cant seem to accept me for
me.....i hate that i make myself vomit after every meal...after everything
i even drink sometimes....i feel like such a loser...my story is
long....but i refuse to include others in my pain, so i sink within
myself....food and other addictions consume me....they control my life....i
want to be "normal" for once.....I never want my little girls to
ever, ever feel about themselves, the way i feel about myself. I pray
everyday....my babies dont hurt inside the way i do....it is no way to
live...or, should I say, not to live.....so, thus, I
cry....someone...please give me hope...give me a reason....why am I this
way????
May 12, 2009 12:42 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
I'm sorry I haven't responded until now -- I was having problems with my
comments feature!
There are many reasons people - women
especially - struggle with bulimia or other eating disorders: control,
perfectionism, avoidance, anxiety, childhood issues, images of unattainable
perfection in the media....the reason you are struggling to overcome
bulimia is inside you. And, one way to resolve it is through counseling --
to delve into your own anxieties, fears, and issues until you learn what's
motivating you.
If you can't overcome bulimia on your own, think
of your kids! They deserve a healthy, happy mom.
Help for eating
disorders is out there, and it doesn't have to be expensive or even involve
one-on-one psychotherapy. There are eating disorder support groups in many
communities, books about overcoming bulimia, and programs in some hospitals
and clinics.
The best thing to do to overcome an eating disorder
is to get outside help and support! Stopping the urge to binge and purge
won't happen overnight, but it can happen...
I wish you all the
best, and hope to hear back from you.
Laurie
Jun 9, 2009 10:36 PM
Guest :
i never thought i would be battling with bulimia. It started a year ago, i
was emotionally eating to deal with my problems. i started seeing this guy
who told me he could never love me, or no matter what i did it would never
be good enough. the feelings of being inadequate soon turned into binging
and purgins to manipulate my emotions. i spiraled out of control. At
breaking point i confessed to my family who supported me seeing a
pshychologist. 6 months of therapy and i was on the mend, since being
released back into the wild i thought i had control but have since relapsed
to my disappointment. i just spent my entire lunch break at work shopping
for food, binging and purging. its disgusting, i hate myself for it, but i
hate not doing it. the desire to be desirable has taken over my life and i
am a shadow of what used to remain. good luck girls, you'll need it. i have
faith and hope we can all get through this. self contro, support and
determination. its going to be a life long battle, but we can get through
it. xox
Jun 12, 2009 4:21 PM
Guest :
i started to binge eat in january and have been doing it everyday. i do it
like 3 mayeb 5 times a day. its hard to hide it...a lot of stuff was
happening at home... i was going throguh a tough time.. my mum found out...
i told her id stop.. but i didnt i lied i coultn help it. its so addictive
and i dunno wat to do..i try to stop then i binge then i be sick.. simple..
am trying to loose weight... but whenever i try not to eat i have to...
sumtimes i feel like starving myself then id loose weight.. but im tryign
to get help.. but its not really working:(:( kit
Jun 13, 2009 7:33 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Bulimia and binge eating may seem like they're about weight loss, but
they're not. Eating disorders aren't usually about a person's size and
shape! It's about feeling anxious, scared, and out of control. It's often
about wanting to be perfect, and controlling something because everything
around you is uncertain and out of control.
Overcoming bulimia
is tough, my friend -- and it's a process. You may be successful at
overcoming the urge to overeat and purge for several weeks or even months,
and may succumb to the temptation (and hate yourself for it).
Like any addiction, the more you do it, the harder it is to resist. Like
any habit, the more you think about it and behave in a certain way, the
more you'll follow that pattern of behavior.
So one way to
overcome bulimia or binge eating is to figure out why you feel so out of
control, and find other ways to feel more in power. Talking to a counselor
is really important, as she or he can be objective and helpful. If you find
that one counselor or therapist isn't working, then get a different one!
Another possible way to overcome bulimia is to focus on other
things in your life: creating better friendships, getting a job you love,
working on your own blog -- find something you're passionate about, and
throw your energy and time into it. Sometimes it's helpful to distract
yourself from the cravings.
Also, before you feel tempted to
binge eat, set yourself some "escape hatches." That is, ask a
friend if you can call her when you're struggling, go for a long walk, or
write your feelings in your journal. You could also knit, paint, garden,
play with your pets -- anything to focus on something other than the
urge.
I wish you all the best -- overcoming bulimia is a hard
battle, but YOU CAN DO IT.
Stay in touch, Laurie
Jul 12, 2009 2:36 PM
Guest :
i got diagnosed as bulimic a few days ago and its made me realise alot. at
first i just wanted to get a nice body, the average any guy could want. but
it kept getting more and more severe, started out just working out alot,
then not eating and working out. but thne i got tempted by food, its
everywhere, soo tasty and delicious, but its so fattening. everytime i ate
i had to be sick, i had to work out, get rid of it all until i was thin. it
started about 7 months ago for me, and since then ive lost over 3 stone in
weight, im now 7.5 stone, just under 50 kgs, i dont know how to control it
:( everytime i eat, something takes over, something makes me eat more and
more, until i feel so horrible about myself, i purge :( and afterwards i
feel soo good about it, im really scared because im still losing weight, im
16 years old, 5 foot 4 and within a month im gunna weigh under 7 stone
Jul 14, 2009 6:43 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
It's a very difficult struggle -- but the worst part is over! Getting a
diagnosis and learning how bulimia works is exactly what you need to do to
overcome it. Remember that you're not alone. Thousands of people have
overcome this eating disorder, and you can too. And, also remember that it
won't always be this hard. The compulsion to binge and purge DOES go
away.
In my Psychology Blog, I've given four more suggestions
for overcoming bulimia.
Just click on my name in blue at the top
of this page, then click on "Read Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen's blog"
on the right side. Scroll down to "How Do I Overcome the Urge to Binge
and Purge?"
I hope to see you there!
Jul 14, 2009 1:43 PM
Guest :
thank yhoo so much, my doctor is getting me refered to a psychiatrist, the
binging and purging has steadily beeng etting worse but with your advice iv
checked out a few things and found what i need. im sure ill be cured
eventually
thanks again
Aug 15, 2009 11:45 PM
Guest :
the first time i ever binged and purged was in march of 2009. i was with my
friends and we ate a little too much so my friends brother told me to try
to throw it up. i did it for the very first time and thought it was a great
method, cause i could eat a lot and then just throw it up and it would all
be gone. i did it from time to time for a few months. and then i stopped.
at the time i was 5'4" and 118 pounds. i always thought i was fat and
wanted to loose weight. in september 2009 i decided to do something about
it- so i went on a low carb diet which turned into anorexia, which lasted
from then until december. i was down to 100 pounds and still the same
height. at thanksgiving, i made my self throw up after eating for the first
time in a while. ever since then, i have been binging and purging every
single day. i had anorexia and bulimia for a couple months after december
which then evolved in to straight up bulimia. it's like an addiction. no
matter how hard i try to stop, i just can't. i binge all durning the day,
and then throw up at night after everyone goes to sleep. it's really
depressing, and i've wasted SO much of my life doing it. my mom has known
of me doing it a little bit. but it's extemely hard to stop. i've gone
maybe 5 days the whole summer without doing it, because i wasn't home all
day. i would do anything to stop, but even if i eat a normal amount, it's
like my body is trained to eat way more and then throw it all up. life
sucks :(
Aug 16, 2009 6:22 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Bulimia isn't something you can "just stop." You need help
overcoming the urge to binge and purge -- and not just from your mom or
friends! I encourage you to get help from an eating disorders specialist,
before you waste more of your life and damage more of your body!
This eating disorder is so hard on your teeth, heart, stomach, brain, and
other body parts. I know how strong the compulsion is -- and I also know
that you CAN OVERCOME your bulimia! It takes alot of effort, but you can
find what will work for you.
To start healing, you need to 'fess
up to your mom about how often you binge and purge. And, you and she need
to contact an eating disorders specialist together.
Will you do
this, and come back to let me know how you are and what the next step is?
Save yourself, my friend...because nobody else can save you.
Best wishes, Laurie
Aug 16, 2009 6:25 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
I have to add:
Getting a diagnosis and learning how bulimia
works is what you need to do to overcome this eating disorder. Remember
that you're not alone. Thousands of people have overcome this eating
disorder, and you can too. And, also remember that it won't always be this
hard. The compulsion to binge and purge DOES go away.
In my
Psychology Blog, I've given four more suggestions for overcoming
bulimia.
Just click on my name in blue at the top of this page,
then click on "Read Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen's blog" on the right
side. Scroll down to "How Do I Overcome the Urge to Binge and
Purge?" It's also in the July, 2009 side panel.
I hope to
see you there, and wish you all the best.
Aug 27, 2009 5:50 PM
Guest :
my day... i wake up i binge, i am sick, i go to sleep, i rush to shop to
replace food that is gone. i give in to the urge to eat again. again, it is
too much. im sick. I sleep. i go to work, i pick. i come home i eat, im
sick. i keep my self awake and i worry. i worry tomorrow will be the
same.
Aug 28, 2009 6:02 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi,
It sounds like you're in the grip of that terrible bulimia
monster! It's such a compelling, overpowering urge....so hard to break out
of it.
It's hard to break out -- but not impossible, my friend!
You CAN stop this cycle, but you can't do it alone.
Please go to
a counselor or eating disorders therapist, and get help. Overcoming bulimia
is a long road -- and the sooner you get started down that path, the
happier and healthier you'll be! And remember -- it won't always be this
hard. The compulsion to binge and purge DOES go away!
In don't
know if you read my above comment, but I want to reiterate: in my
Psychology Blog, I've given four more suggestions for overcoming
bulimia.
Just click on my name in blue at the top of this page,
then click on "Read Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen's blog" on the right
side. Scroll down to "How Do I Overcome the Urge to Binge and
Purge?" It's also in the July, 2009 side panel.
Take care,
and please help yourself by getting help from a trained professional.
Laurie
Oct 28, 2009 12:27 AM
Guest :
I have battling with bulimia for a bit over 5 years now. I have once tried
to stop completely and found myself becoming anorexic and dropped to 78
lbs. I have been to counseling and therapy and although I think I am on the
road to recovery, I feel like I am not quite there yet. I will be going to
graduate school starting January of next year and since I don't know the
place at all (it's in New Hampshire), I have decided to sign up for
on-campus housing for grad students. As there are no more available studios
or single rooms, I will have to share a bathroom with someone and I am
under intense pressure and need to overcome the disease as soon as possible
but I don't think I can completely recover in just two months. I have asked
the housing office if there is any way I can have access to a private
bathroom and I am waiting for their response. I don't know how to get by
this tough situation, and I would appreciate any kind of advice.
Oct 29, 2009 7:01 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi,
First of all – congratulations on going to graduate school!
That’s very exciting…and very stressful. Second, I’m sorry you’ve been
struggling with bulimia for so long. It’s definitely difficult to overcome
– but you CAN do it. You CAN get power over your eating disorder…it won’t
always have power over you.
I can’t fit my advice to you here in
this comments section; instead, I wrote it all up in a post on my
Psychology blog. This way, I can include links, bolded text for important
parts, etc. The post is called “Can I Overcome Binge Eating or Bulimia
Quickly?”
To get to my Psychology blog, just click on my name in
blue at the top of this page, then click on "Read Laurie
Pawlik-Kienlen's blog" on the right side. Scroll down to “Can I
Overcome Binge Eating or Bulimia Quickly?” – you’ll also find it in the
Oct, 2009 section on the side panel.
I hope that information
helps, and I invite you to respond either there or here.
Best
wishes, Laurie
Nov 6, 2009 12:09 PM
Guest :
Hi everyone. I really feel completely inadequate to be posting anything
here, but i feel the need to do it. i dont suffer from bulimia or any type
of eating disorder, but i too have my demons that are very similar to the
ones each one of you encounter. im a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
however, this posting is not about me. It is for you out there who is
suffering from this disorder and it is for yr loved ones who want to help
but at times feel so helpless. Im madly in love w a woman who has
been suffering from this disorder for 26yrs, now together we both have
mustered enough courage to give ourselves a second chance in life. It's
amazing the roller coaster of emotions we all go thru. The person with
bulimia, the one with anorexia, the molested. Everyone!! But if there is
one thing I have learned by watching her go thru her recovery and me on my
own, is this. Lets give ourselves a second chance, because we deserve it.
We need it. Ive read al the postings and many have expressed that
they dont know wha to do, or where to start. I want to assure you that just
by the fact yoiu are admitting to yrself you have a problem and by posting
your story on this site its a start. Although at times we want to fight our
battles by ourselves, we simply cant. i dont know how many times I didnt
have the strenght to carry on and this wonderful woman despite of her
battles carried me and vice-versa. Use, this site, write on yr journal, do
whatever but JUST DONT GIVE UP IN YOURSELF!!!!
