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What are the Best Sources of Bulimia Help?

Brandon May
Brandon May

Eating disorders are psychological issues which consume the lives of the victim and quickly degenerate the body and mind's health and well being. Bulimia is a common eating disorder which revolves around the rituals of binging and purging food, and can result in isolation and severe depression. Many times, those who seek bulimia help are not those who suffer from the actual disease, but those who care for the victim and desire the regaining of life and vitality. The best bulimia help resources include individual and family therapy, along with possible stays at an eating disorder treatment center and nutrition counseling to determine a healthier lifestyle for the individual.

Compared to anorexia, which involves restricting food intake, bulimia centers around the secretive actions of binging on large amounts of food, or what is perceived as large amounts, as well as the ritualistic habit of purging the food afterward. Bulimia at its core does not have anything to do with food and weight necessarily, but usually revolves around different psychological issues which the victim can only address by focusing on food. Many times people feel the need for control in their lives when events around them seem chaotic, so they turn to their food and bodies to control. Eating disorders, such as bulimia, have various reasons behind their development and cannot be generalized to fit everyone.

Therapy and nutrition counseling may help bulimics achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Therapy and nutrition counseling may help bulimics achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Oftentimes when seeking bulimia help, people turn to individualized therapy sessions to seek support and to try and resolve the underlying issues associated with their bulimia. Studies have shown that family therapy boosts recovery success rate in individuals suffering from both anorexia and bulimia, as family components and dynamics may play a role in the development of eating disorders. Also, family therapy allows the opportunity for deeper connections to develop between family members, fueling the support and success of long-term recovery. A qualified therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders may also recommend local support groups that contain high levels of success rates for recovery.

When bulimia becomes more serious and threatens to destroy the life of the individual who suffers from the disease, it is often recommended that bulimia help is sought at a specialized treatment center for those dealing with eating disorders. Depending on each case and its severity, individuals may have to become inpatient and stay in the hospital for a certain time period to regain health. If those seeking bulimia help are family members or friends, it is often more difficult to convince the victim to enter. There are times when those suffering do not choose to get help, while many times they take the initiative to enter treatment by listening to their inner desire to be healthy again.

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    • Therapy and nutrition counseling may help bulimics achieve a healthier lifestyle.
      By: Simone van den Berg
      Therapy and nutrition counseling may help bulimics achieve a healthier lifestyle.