Overcoming Bulimia

Recovering from bulimia is POSSIBLE. Yes and let me repeat it, it is so much POSSIBLE. Research shows that women who have recovered from bulimia were able to continue being free from the symptoms of of it even after a decade of treatment. But, the road to bulimia recovery could be filled with bumps and boulders that need to be surmounted.

Bulimia Recovery is Hard Work

If you are trying to overcome your bulimic behavior with a half-hearted effort, then you need to know right away that you cannot overcome bulimia this way. This is because bulimia is a severe eating disorder that also warrants serious efforts for it to be beaten. If you are among those bulimics who are hiding in the dark, then come out of that closet and seek help from a professional.

Bulimic Behavior Could Relapse

Studies reveal that recovering from bulimia may relapse once or twice. This is true especially to people who have been affected with bulimia for several years. The psychological causes of bulimia can be so hard to overcome, and this makes recovery even more challenging. People with bulimia must know and prepare for this reality - that bulimia could relapse. A relapse should not discourage people from seeking continued help from professionals.

Recovery from Bulimia Requires Dedication

Recovery from bulimia could feel like you are in a full-time job. You will be meeting with nutritionists, dentists, dietitians, doctors, therapists and support groups. You will have to undergo several tests. Not to mention the added anxiety of knowing about the results of the test. You will have to choose between different kinds of treatment and see which one of them works best to your unique needs. In other words, recovering from bulimia is such an overwhelming endeavor at the beginning. But, later as you start to experience relief and positive impact you will also begin to be hopeful that one day you will be able to ultimately say goodbye to the horrors of bulimia.

It is also important to note that you should not be discouraged once you notice a backslide of your efforts. This is not reason enough to give up on all your efforts. You should also keep in mind that once you decide to have your bulimia treated it should be your top priority.

The Progression of Bulimia

At first, the act of purging is seen as something beneficial because through this an individual does not have to worry about overeating. However, when purging becomes a habit which is done over and over again the person will eventually become at risk of malnutrition. Not to mention the dangers of a developing disorder. Bulimics can eat more than what their bodies can contain. They indulge in a binge eating activity only to find themselves purging out everything they ate.

At first, purging is done with the aim of staying safe with the amount of food intake. But, as the disorder progresses purging is done as a way to manage emotions. So bulimic individuals go through being so full or being so empty or being too sad to feeling relieved. In other words, bulimia becomes an adaptive behavior.As the bulimic behavior continues to progress, binge eating episodes will now become not just a planned event but a daily habit. Therefore, the vicious cycle of eating and purging becomes a habit too hard to break.

How to Avoid Bulimia Relapse

Once again, let me reiterate that bulimia relapse does happen but it can be avoided as well. One way to prevent it is to build a reliable support system. Make sure to always surround yourself with people who are supportive about your efforts to defeat bulimia. Stay away from those who tend to make you feel bad. Otherwise, you run the risk of resorting to bulimic behavior once again. Be surrounded with positive people. Another way to avoid relapse is to keep yourself busy with worthwhile activities. Engage in sports, indulge in a hobby or read an inspirational book. It is also helpful to come up with a daily journal. This will help you keep track of your daily activities and will also somehow keep you preoccupied during your lean hours. This will also help you avoid thinking about food or avoid entertaining the thought of binge eating or purging.

The road to a bulimia-free living can be quite rocky. But, rest assured that it can be reached. You just have to possess enough courage and determination to steer clear from it.