Winnipeg Adult Education Centre

More people in these days are suffering from Bulimia nervosa; Bulimia nervosa is a mental health disease.  In my article I will discuss how it affects peoples well being, the long term effects of bulimia nervosa, the signs to look out for if you suspect a loved one might be suffering from this disease.  Also the options one may take to getting treatment.

Bulimia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders, the characteristics of bulimia nervosa is binge eating, where a person eats a vast amount of foods that they would usually not eat on a daily basis due to the fear of gaining weight, followed by induced vomiting to expel the food from their stomach.  The cause of bulimia nervosa is unknown, but in my opinion I believe that it has to do with the way the media portrays the idea of what “beauty” is.  A lot of people look at themselves in the mirror for an extended period of time and think why can’t they look like the people who are commonly portrayed in the media.  Usually a person with bulimia nervosa often sees a distorted image of themselves in the mirror due to the fact that they see all of their flaws, it is a bad state of mind to be constantly stuck with feeling hopeless, they often think that once they reach that certain weight they will feel happy, but in most cases that isn’t true.  I would suggest seeking help from a professional psychiatrist, or a person who has suffered from this disease and received help, there are many other ways to change the way you feel about yourself, you shouldn’t have to feel like your body weight and appearance should be a constant battle.

The long term effects of bulimia nervosa will be very severe if one doesn’t seek professional help.  The early effect one may notice is that their teeth are starting to decay, and feel kind of jagged due to the stomach acids eroding the teeth.  Eventually over time suffering with this disease, you will have liver and heart problems, a more damaged state of mind, the feeling of being depressed constantly, feeling weak all the time, swollen glands, inflammation of the lungs, and many more symptoms that will eventually lead to death from the disease.

If you believe that a loved one is suffering from this disease the most common ways to notice that they are in fact suffering from an eating disorder would be:

• Noticeable weight lost in a short period of time
• The persons’ hair seems to be more stringy
• Constant visits to the bathroom after every meal
• When a person avoids eating in front of others
• Depression and frequent mood swings

If you do suspect that a loved on is suffering from bulimia nervosa, do not wait till they come to you about their problem.  Take initiative to talk to them and ask them about it, it is a lot better for them if you help them deal with it as they are most likely feeling like they’re in a constant battle by themselves.

If you are suffering from Bulimia nervosa, you don’t have to live with the fear that if you don’t puke you will drastically gain a unattractive amount of weight.  Think about what you are actually doing to your body, mental and physical wise.  There are treatments out there that will help you eventually clear your mind of all the negative effects that bulimia has left on you mentally wise.  I suggest seeking help right away, get information from your family doctor, or do research online of different treatment plans, and gradually work your way into seeking help.  Don’t think that just because you’re seeking help you are weak; it just shows that you care enough about yourself that you want to be happy and healthy.

By Michael McDougall