Generally, there is no easy answer why people become bulimic.
Reality is that every individual is unique so are the reasons
why they become bulimic and the paths they have to take to
overcome it. Bulimia is generally considered to be a
psychological and emotional disorder which sometimes coexists
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression or obsessive
compulsive disorder. Some studies show that it is related to
major affective disorder and therefore influenced by heredity
and chemical imbalances in the body of the individual. The
underlying reasons that most bulimic people give for their
eating disorder are however a complex mix of low self-esteem,
childhood conflict and cultural pressures. Making psychotherapy
and other avenues make it more effective for recovery.
Most families in which emotional, physical or spiritual needs
are not met in some way produces most bulimic people. They are
mostly the household where feelings are not verbally expressed
and communication skills are lacking. It could also be that
there is a history of alcoholism, depression, drug abuse or
eating disorders. Although food is a good drug, children might
unconsciously recognize that escape is the most appropriate
thing to do. Bulimic persons are often considered ideal children
going out of their way to be people pleasers presenting an
acceptable facade that seems to be outgoing, confident and
independent while anxious feelings bubble underneath.
Eventually, bulimic individuals are valued someone who does not
need nurturing, good at taking care of themselves and grow up
early. Their being bulimic is their way of expressing what
cannot be said directly in words.
Most bulimic persons are preoccupied with eating and diet but
that initial binge-purge stage might be triggered by some
specific events such as traumatic change in life. Bulimia is
especially dangerous and captivating since it is falsely
perceived as less dangerous than alcoholism or drug. Food is
always there to provide some “fix” likewise gives life, heals,
nurtures and means love. Food tends to outweigh any immediate
drawbacks as it provides safety, availability, pleasure and
companionship. Moreover, nothing gives a bulimic away as the
weight usually appears close to normal. Furthermore, bulimic
persons tend to be overly judgmental of themselves as well as of
others since they have difficulty expressing emotions through
language, fear criticism, avoid disagreements and have low
self-esteem. They find that their bulimic rituals and thought
protect them from the possible rejection, abandonment or other
potential pain. Bulimia had become their only companion which
apparently prevents them from experiencing deep love form others
surrounding their environment. Bulimia seems to be their
short-term solution for pain which in long term can be
devastating.
Bulimic persons are usually women and adolescent girls although
bulimia is also known to appear in the male population. Often,
bulimic women suffer from low self-esteem and are quite ashamed
of their bingeing and purging patterns thus resulting to denial
of the behavior. They often hide the disease remarkably well and
may go 10 to 15 years without revealing of their problem. They
deal with their guilt over bingeing by exercising obsessively to
burn off the calories or take laxatives for days after eating.
Many bulimic also suffer from anorexia and will starve
themselves between binges. Also, they obsessively talk about
food, frequently diet, compulsively exercise and/or eat
secretly. Bulimic persons typically do not seek medical advice
for bulimia itself.
It is difficult to help bulimic individuals without their
willingness to be helped. Yet the truth still remains that it is
very significant that you get help for bulimic person. And if
the bulimic is willing to help herself, they should then seek
the help of a doctor that they feel comfortable with. Equally,
it is important that they find a support group and some
long-term support to help them maintain their efforts toward
recovering from being bulimic.
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For more information on bulimia please check out
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