Tips for Bulimia Recovery

Bulimia nervosa is a serious disorder that can be harmful to one’s health. As is true with all eating disorders, bulimia is the physical manifestation of an emotional and psychological condition. Treatment for bulimia isn’t as simple resting or taking a prescription medication.

Recovering from bulimia is a process. Treatment plans for bulimic patients are often as individual as the patient. If you are suffering from bulimia, your recovery plan will be unique to you, but it will likely be some combination of a number of proven recovery strategies and treatments.

Professional counseling — An eating disorder is a complicated condition. For full recovery, help from a professional is recommended. A professional trained in treating eating disorders can help the patient identify triggers and work to alter mindset and behaviors leading to the binge/purge episodes.

Journaling – Journaling as a treatment strategy has two primary purposes:

1. First, to keep track of what you eat and when you eat. This will force you to look at what kinds of food you are eating and how much food you are eating. It may also be beneficial to share your food journal with your counselor.
2. Secondly, Journal to keep track of how you’re feeling when you eat. Keeping track of your emotions, especially how you feel when you eat will help you understand the connection between emotion and food.

Journaling what you eat and your emotions when you eat will help you determine the triggers that cause you to eat. When you are able you identify these triggers, you will be better equipped to develop coping strategies and deal with those triggers in a healthy manner.

Inpatient treatment — Inpatient treatment isn’t always necessary, but is often beneficial. Because eating disorders are often fueled by an individual’s environment, removing the individual from his or her environment might be the best first step to recovery. In addition, because bulimia can put a patient at risk of severe medical complications, in severe cases, inpatient care is often recommended to ensure the patient has proper medical supervision.

In addition to these recovery strategies, there are other methods for coping with bulimia. These include:

• Knowing your healthy ideal body weight,
• Not skipping meals,
• Identifying and understanding what triggers your negative body image,
• Devoting yourself to hobbies that boost your self-esteem and happiness,
• Seeking support from others.

Read more about these coping strategies here. 

Bulimia nervosa is a serious disease, which can cause medical complications. It is an illness that often cannot be treated without the help of a professional. It isn’t as simple as an individual modifying his or her behavior. Bulimia has psychological and emotional roots that must be treated as well. If you suspect a loved one is suffering from bulimia, do not ignore the signs. Seek immediate help from a professional or eating disorders treatment center.