Strategies for Recovering From Bulimia and Other Eating Disorders - Strategies for Recovering From Eating Disorders

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

David:As I mentioned earlier, Ms. Asner is not only a licensed psychotherapist, but she also graduated from one of the top coaching schools in the U.S. - The Hudson Institute.

Having a support system is another important part of the overall recovery strategy, isn't it Judi? And when you talk about that, what exactly do you mean when you say "support team"?

Judith Asner: Actually, your support team is anyone who cares about you. For me, being in the field I was where colleagues are so open and loving, I had permission to be whoever I was and still be loved for myself. So if I had bulimia 20 years ago, as a psychotherapist, it didn't matter. I don't know if you all can ask colleagues in the business world to watch out for you at a business lunch or ask an office buddy to help you with the donuts. It is a question of the culture you are in. But any friend, relative, pal, associate or lover who cares about you can be part of your team. I have my coaching clients email me about how the day has gone, and believe me, I look for those emails and look forward to them. Your team consists of anyone who sincerely cares about the well-being of another and is willing to lend a hand. My experience is that for every person who says "Ugh," thirty say, "I'm on board." Thank you, Oprah!!

David:Excellent point, Judith. Earlier you mentioned support groups. So maybe a person could find a support buddy there and not have the personal risk that one might face sharing the news of your eating disorder with a business associate, teacher, etc.

Judith Asner: Well, certain people are really links in the chain when it comes to helping us. Teachers usually know therapists and counselors and psychologists as do personal trainers and school guidance counselors and nurses. I wouldn't tell your CEO, if that is what you mean. Corporate America is not touchy feely and law firms are certainly not cuddly places. A buddy is a good idea. However, there are Employee Assistance Programs in most corportations and government agencies and the EAP counselors are bound legally to maintain privacy and send you to an appropriate treatment specialist.

David:One last thing I want to address, which you brought up to me in your email and then we'll go to more audience questions. "Practice" - the idea of trial and error. Can you elaborate on that, please?

Judith Asner: Yes. Just because one therapist has not been the right one for you, dont give up.You will eventually click. Ask your therapist if she has recovered from bulimia. If you keep failing on the food plan, keep trying. Go to OA meetings and get a sponsor. Use feedback to analyze what doesn't work. Figure out what were the triggers to "losing it" and try again and again.

David: Here's what Judith wrote me in the earlier email: There is no such thing as "it doesn't work" --you keep seeking, practicing, revising your plan until it works, changing this and that piece till the pieces fit.

Judith Asner: Also, do you belong to a spiritual community where you get sustenance or do you have a practice that is peaceful like yoga or do you spend some time helping others? This is part of a wholistic approach to life and recovery.

David: Let's get to some more audience questions. Earlier Judith, you said that recovery may mean a balance; not full-blown bulimia, but possibly sporadic episodes. Of course, if you had full-blown bulimia, that would be a great improvement. Here's a question on that:

tooey: What about people who consider episodic binging and purging to lead back to full-blown bulimia?

Judith Asner: Well, that is certainly a danger and that is why one must always let someone know immediately if the problem begins again and sort out the reason for the relapse---immediately!

Me5150:My husband is bulimic and refuses to believe he has a problem. I believe he is still binging and purging, but is hiding it more now than ever. How do I help him when he doesn't want to help himself?

Judith Asner: This is a tough question. Perhaps an intervention from those who love him would help. You can find that e-book on my web site beatbulimia.com. An intervention is a long process . I think men have a bigger problem admitting this than women.

liza5: Is it possible to "retrain" your body after you've had an eating disorder for a long period of time? I've been bulimic for 13 years, nothing "wants to stay" very long and it's very painful.

Judith Asner: Yes, you can retrain the body. We, and the body, are "miracles" and move toward wholeness and healing. First, get to a doctor to make sure everything in the gastrointestinal area is working well and then figure out what you can eat comfortable. There are meds that help with digestion and relaxation of your stomach and perhaps someone can stay with you and help you get used to that period that is so difficult after a meal.

jenniegator: Is there a physical withdrawal associated with recovery from bulimia?

Judith Asner: Oh, I would imagine there are lots of physical feelings that you would have to tolerate, real and imagined. That is what a professional can help you with, especially feeling fat when you are not.

pheobee:First, how do you get past that strong belief that you WILL gain weight no matter what?

Judith Asner: Well, in fact, you will rehydrate and gain some water weight because your cells have been dehydrated. But that is just 5 lbs. You will have to take that leap of faith and get lots of support from your team. And also, what will happen if you gain a few pounds? Is it perferable to the risk of dying?