Bulimia nervosa affects up to 4.2 percent of the females in the U.S. If you find yourself needing to vomit after you eat, it's time to get some help. Watch this video for more information, including help with bulimia recovery and more on other eating disorders.Please see the chart below on what happens to someone who has bulimia?
This video is about a girl, like 8 million others, who suffer from Bulimia and other eating disorders. It is for all the people out there suffering from their own worst enemy: eating disorder. For all the voices lost to a society too quick to judge them. I hope the message this video conveys will open the eyes to the people who are fortunate not to have ED, but are able to lend a helping hand to help those in need of it.
If you know someone with bulimia, you can help. Follow these steps from the National Eating Disorders Association:
- Set a time to talk. Set aside a time to privately talk about your concerns with your friend. Be open and honest. Make sure you talk in a place away from distractions.
- Tell your friend about your concerns. Tell your friend about specific times when you were worried about her eating or exercise behaviors. Explain that you think these things may show a problem that needs professional help.
- Ask your friend talk about these concerns. She could talk to a counselor or doctor who knows about eating issues. If you feel comfortable, offer to help your friend make an appointment or go with her to her appointment.
- Avoid conflicts or a battle of the wills with your friend. If your friend doesn’t admit to a problem, repeat your feelings and the reasons for them. Be a supportive listener.
- Don’t place shame, blame, or guilton your friend. Do not use accusatory “you” statements like, “You just need to eat.” Or, “You are acting irresponsibly.” Instead, use “I” statements like, “I’m concerned about you because you refuse to eat breakfast or lunch.” Or, “It makes me afraid to hear you vomiting.”
- Avoid giving simple solutions. Don’t say, "If you'd just stop, then everything would be fine!"
- Express your continued support. Remind your friend that you care and want her to be healthy and happy.
