Surviving Bulimia - Surviving Bulimia Conference

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

David: Here's the next question:

Keatherwood: I've been anorexic and bulimic most my life. I've pretty much beat the anorexia, but the bulimia seems to be much harder to get control of. My therapist considers it a form of self-harm, but I just see it as a way to get thin again. I don't binge. I just do it when I feel I've eaten to much. Can't it just be a way to lose weight, not a psychological problem?

Judith Asner: Keatherwood, considering the history, it seems like it's the last part of a longstanding disorder but it's gotten a lot better over time. Maybe working carefully with a registered dietitian can help you lose weight without purging.

David: Here are some audience comments on what's been said so far:

Christian: I am all for living in the solution. I was one of ten children and my parents did the best they could. Yet I hid the bulimia for a long time; I was so ashamed of having such a gross coping mechanism. I have always been afraid of my older siblings and of not being perfect. I have been in recovery a long time but recently relapsed. I am a grown woman with a happy marriage and 2 babies that I had thought I might not be able to have because of the damage done in my teens and twenties.

margnh: I will never admit it because people think you have horrible control and will act differently around you.

Lindsey03: I'm scared. My fake parents now know about what happened before and I'm afraid they will punish me like my real parents did. They also don't let me purge and I guess that's good, but that's scary too.

margnh: My doctor told me I should never plan my eating.

recoverednow: Yes, I did the meal planning also - following hospital staff advice and followed the meal plan they provide me.

gillian1: That depresses me, seeing how much I have eaten.

nymphet: I tried keeping journals, but never liked the idea at all and gave up.

eccchick: Today, I feel so scared, sad and depressed because I ate something and kept it down.

latlat: I've done that. Got treatment for myself. My daughter doesn't care and is not affected by my actions. How do you force them?

willy: What do you think a person should do when they think they have an eating disorder? I mean, is there anyone special to go to and how do you start out the conversation with the person?

Judith Asner: Willy, you should find out who specializes in treating eating disorders. If you go to my website, in my last newsletter, there are some resources that can help you find an eating disorders treatment specialist in your area.

Once you find an eating disorders treatment specialist and call them up--it's very easy. They know why you are there and help you. You'll find that you won't be uncomfortable because they are familiar with what's going on. Chances are the eating disorders treatment specialist has had anorexia or bulimia too.

David: One thing you can do is call the local psychological association and get a referral in your community. You can also call your family doctor or a local psychiatric center for a referral.

Judith, what advice can you give a teenager who wants to tell their parents, but may be afraid or doesn't know how to break the ice. What, specifically, could they say?

Judith Asner: I think a teen has to do it. Just say it, "I have an eating disorder." You just have to bite the bullet and say the words.

hungrygirl: What do you do when you feel like you have dealt with the underlying issues as much as you can, and you are still addicted to the behavior of self-harm with food or just addicted to eating in a self-destructive manner.

Judith Asner: That's a very tough question. Very often, therapy will address underlying issues and there will still be residual eating disorders that have not gone into remission. I wonder if you saw a general psychotherapist or an eating disorder specialist for your treatment, because that's a very common occurrence.

awiah: I am a 37 year old SWF. I have been bulimic since I was 11. I have tried almost every known antidepressant (and many other types of prescription drugs) and am still very actively bulimic. I understand the need for family and friends' support. I understand the use of a food journal to control the amount of food intake and educate one on their level of hunger. But what does one do when they have outlived the patience of their families and everyone else?

Judith Asner: How about going to daily meetings of Overeaters Anonymous or eating disorders support groups that deal with bulimia specifically? By doing this, you'll find a sponsor that will not get tired of you and you'll get support from the group and by working through the program. Also, there is information in the HealthyPlace.com Eating Disorders Community.

awiah: Yes, I have been at Renfrew for 3 months and have had years-and-years of out-patient therapy with different doctors - both eating disorders treatment specialists and generalists.

Judith Asner: Awiah, I'm really sorry. I know how frustrating that could be. Maybe coaching could help you.

Monica2000: What are we supposed to do when people think our ED is for attention. What are we to do if we get really depressed and just want to purge more?

Judith Asner: Monica, stay away from those people. Tell them you don't need there opinions. Stay away from any negative people as much as you can and be around supportive people. People with bulimia are highly sensitive.