Bulimia: How to Help Yourself?

Bulimia is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People who suffer from bulimia regularly overeat and then try to get rid of the calories they eat in an unhealthy way, in order to avoid weight gain.

After episodes of uncontrollable binge eating, people with bulimia expel the food by forced vomiting or excessive use of laxatives and diuretics. Some people burn the extra calories with extreme exercise.

If you suffer from bulimia, you surely know how scary the thought is that you are losing control over your life more and more with each passing day. Knowing that you are knowingly continuing to harm your health further feeds fear and hopelessness.

Bulimia

The following tips will help you cope with bulimia more easily:

1. Accept that you have a problem

Even though the voice of bulimia tells you that the path to happiness and success is the “ideal” number of kilograms, you need to gather courage and take the first step – to admit and accept that your relationship with food is disturbed and not under your control and that you need help.

2. Share the problem with a person you trust

It will certainly not be easy for you to talk about your secret, especially if you have kept it for a long time. But if you want to get out of that “dark circle”, you need support. So find a trusted person who you know will listen to you and open up.

3. Avoid people, places, and activities that tempt you

At the beginning of the treatment, it is best to avoid everything that can bring you back into the hands of bulimia, such as hanging out with friends who are often on a diet and talk about losing weight, reading fashion and fitness magazines, opening internet sites that promote it bulimia and unhealthy weight loss, etc.

4. Discover the reason that threw you into the clutches of bulimia

The main problem in people suffering from bulimia is basically not overeating, but the abuse of food to cope with negative feelings such as rage, anger, depression, low self-esteem, and fear. Therefore, it is important to find out what is “eating” you from the inside.

Remember, “fatness” is not a feeling. If you feel unattractive because of excess body weight, ask yourself what led to that condition, and what the problem really is. Are you upset about something? Are you stressed? Maybe you are depressed or feeling lonely? Once you find out the reason, you will be able to find a positive and healthy alternative to overeating and it will be easier to deal with the problem.

5. Learn to overcome crises

Dealing with this disease is by no means easy, so discover the best way for you to help you overcome crisis moments more easily. Listening to music, reading a good book, doing a good deed, going to the cinema, talking on the phone with your best friend, and taking a walk in nature are just some of the activities that could take you out of the troubled moment.

6. Improve the image you have of yourself

The vision you have for yourself should not be based solely on your outward appearance. Do not ignore the inner qualities that you possess. Learn to see yourself as a whole, to love and appreciate yourself in a positive and balanced way.

• Make a list of your positive qualities. Are you smart? Loyal? Creative? Do you have a sense of humor? Write down all the positive characteristics that you possess.
• Focus on those body parts you love. When you look in the mirror, focus on the parts of your body that you like, not the “flaws”. And remember, nobody is perfect.
• Let the positive inner voice prevail. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Example: Replace the thought “It will be very difficult to deal with this situation” with “I may encounter great challenges, but I will find a solution and deal with the problem.” Remember, negative thoughts only drain your energy and prevent you from truly enjoying life.
• Be active. Enroll in yoga classes, tai chi, practice your favorite sport, ride a bike with your friends, walk in nature… Just enjoy life.
• Pamper yourself. Go for a massage, get a manicure and pedicure, buy yourself a new perfume, or prepare a warm bath with a bath and scented candles. Your body deserves it.
• Dress for yourself. Clothes should make you feel cozy and comfortable. Don’t worry about what others think.

7. Learn to eat healthy

Adopting healthy eating habits is key to successfully combating bulimia. Therefore, with the help of a nutritionist and doctor, make a healthy diet plan and stick to it.

8. Seek professional help

In order to better and more easily deal with the problem, it is necessary to consult a professional medical person who has experience in treating diseases related to eating disorders such as bulimia.