Suffering from bingeing and purging is a destructive cycle that is extremely difficult to stop.
It can also fly under the radar. Often done in hiding, it can escape the eyes of loved ones easily. A bulimic may binge eat 3,400 calories in an hour or even 15,000 calories in 8 hours. A response to stress or an attempt at control, this illness is typically followed by dark periods of shame, only to restart again the following day.
Bulimia Nervosa is a serious illness in which people eat large amounts of food and then cause themselves to vomit. It is a physical and emotional illness. Purging can also take the form of excessive exercise, laxative use and / or cutting in order to not gain weight.
If you are concerned about someone who might be suffering, or if you are suffering yourself, you may be uncertain on how to approach the situation. That is why Four Winds Counseling Center offers individuals and families struggling with Bulimia counseling sessions to understand the disorder. The signs of this disorder can include binge eating, immediate trips afterwards to the restroom after eating, excessive exercise, swelling in the jaw, calluses on the knuckles from purging, and laxative use. Binge eating leads to excessive weight gain, while purging and anorexic behavior can lead to extreme weight loss. People suffering from Bulimia Nervosa can appear to be a normal body weight, but they may still be experiencing an eating disorder. It is common for people, especially women, to suffer from both Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa.
While 80% of those suffering from Bulimia are female, many men also suffer from this condition. Many people admit that they do have a problem, but actively seeking help can be overwhelming or they simply don’t realize the seriousness of the condition. Regurgitation after meals can cause tooth decay, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, inflammation of esophagus, and electrolyte imbalances. The sooner Bulimia Nervosa is detected, the better the chances are of minimizing the effects of this disorder.
But the issue is deeper than the gut: 50% of the people suffering from eating disorders meet the criteria for depression. Control issues commonly occur with eating disorders as a result of past trauma. Meeting with a counselor at Four Winds Counseling Center is the first step towards a safe and healthy relationship with food and one’s self. Contact us immediately to seek help and understanding for Bulimia Nervosa or any other eating disorder.
