Beat Bulimia - Bulimia Treatment - Treating Bulimia

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

David: Here's a question:

Jus: I have been diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia. Right now, I seem to binge every night at 3 a.m. Do you have any suggestions on how to stop?

Judith: Why are you waking up at 3 am? Are you depressed? Night waking can be a symptom of depression, a sleep disturbance, too much caffeine, not enough exercise, low blood sugar...I could go on and on. Have you consulted a professional?

Jus: Nightmares from PTSD.

Judith: PSTD must be treated by a trauma specialist. You know sexual trauma and eating disorders are related. Get help.

diane74: I've been hospitalized 3 times in the last three years because of dehydration. Once while I was pregnant with my 2 yr old daughter, almost losing her to pre-term labor. What is going to stop this insane behavior?

Judith: You are going to stop the behavior, with the help of a professional. YOU must be responsible for your behaviors ultimately. A force from without cannot replace the desire and determination from within. Pull out every plug to get the best treatment possible, and if you are a believer, ask for God to help you. No one from outside of you can make you stop a behavior. Only You can do that ultimately. The ultimate determination is within one's soul and it finally says: I am worth more than this. I deserve better. There is a big beautiful world out there and I deserve to enjoy it.

Chlo: Hi! I get your online newsletter and find it useful. Currently, I want to begin recovery for the bulimia again but I am doing some heavy duty therapy for past sexual abuse issues. Should I hold off on recovery until these issues are resolved? I am too afraid to ask my therapist. I don't want her to think I am defeating the purpose- even though I know I may be.

Judith: Sexual abuse issues are associated with eating disorders. I imagine you will have to get through the catharsis of the abuse first. Be very, very honest with your therapist. Discuss with her how the eating plays into other things you discuss. When you both feel you are ready, she can direct you to a person who can help you if she can't. Remember, above all, honesty to one's therapist and friends and most important, to Self.

But be kind to yourself. I am sure you are all suffering enough just having the eating disorder, so do not rank on yourselves day and night. Be kind. Shame and blame---there is no glory in them.

addy1: Hi, even though my daughter knows all that you have mentioned above, and has hit many rock bottoms with anorexia and bulimia, I wonder when she will find full recovery.

Judith: Maybe not full, but... every journey begins with a small step. Praise her every step of the way. Mirror her; be present for her and trust in the life force. We all want to be whole, and fully alive. I trust she is resourceful and will find her way out of the maze. God knows I and many others have. It feels real bad to be at rock bottom, but sometimes it is what it takes. Meanwhile, mom, my heart goes out to you. Talk to other moms who can support you. Did you know Cris Haltom's Anorexia Survival Guide has a section for parents?

David: Cris Haltom was our guest at a recent conference we had for parents with eating disordered children. Here's the transcript.

AndreaD:Judith, I am in outpatient treatment for bulimia. How can I get help for my husband? He is always so worried about me and feels like I am sneaking around and almost like I'm cheating on him with food. Is there a support group or book for family members?

Judith: Have you ever heard of Imago Therapy based on the book "Keeping the Love You Find" by Harville Hendrix? I am an Imago therapist as well. It helps couples learn to dialogue honestly, to understand each other's childhood wounds and how they replay in the marriage. Most important, it deals with addictive disorders and eating disorders as EXITS to intimacy.

You know, when you are in the bulimic cycle, you are not truly available and present, so you are in exit. The therapist will ask you to name your exits--everyone has them!- and will ask you when you will be ready to close that exit. Some work will be done on what the exit means to you and why you use it. At one time, it was probably an adoption to early wounding, but if you can be safe with each other and open about what you need from each other to heal childhood wounds, you can begin to close the exit, bring the vital energy back into the marriage and heal yourselves. Then you may not have to run away from your pain and fear by eating. It is quite an effective, hopeful means of working with the eating disorder and the restoration of the wholeness and goodness with which we are all born.

David: I know it's getting late. Before we leave, let me remind you to please make sure you sign up on the mail list at the top of the Eating Disorders Community homepage, so you can keep up with events like this and informative news.

I want to thank Judith for being our guest tonight and sharing her life experiences and expertise with us. And thank you to everyone in the audience for coming and participating tonight.

If you haven't been on the main HealthyPlace.com site yet, I invite you to take a look. There are over 9000 pages of content.

Judith: Thank you all. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to feel useful!

David: Thank you again Judith and good night everyone.

Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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